Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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525. To ask the Minister for Health the reason that the Health Service Executive offered funding at a level that is at least 50% lower than that which was assessed on a needs basis by Gheel service providers for autistic services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28297/15]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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612. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide support to Gheel Autism Services in Dublin 3, given that their funding is insufficient for 24 young persons. [28739/15]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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685. To ask the Minister for Health the further resources which will be made available to Gheel Autism Services, in view of the current funding crisis faced by the organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29129/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 525, 612 and 685 together.

The Government currently provides funding of almost €1.5 billion to the Disability Services Programme through the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) National Service Plan for 2015. This funding is providing disability services throughout the country and is spent in line with nationally agreed policy for disability services whilst at the same time endeavouring to maximise value. The health service as a whole has to operate within the parameters of funding available to it and given the current economic environment, this has become a major challenge for all stakeholders, including the HSE, voluntary service providers, services users and their families.

In relation to the service matters raised by the Deputy, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.