Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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620. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, for each regional administrative area, the number of school leavers or other young adults with special needs waiting for new or enhanced day service places from September 2015; the number informed of their placements by 30 June 2015; the number still waiting; when they will be informed of their placements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28804/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Additional funding of €6 million (at a full year cost of €12 million) was allocated by the Health Service Executive this year to meet the needs of around 1,500 young people who will require continuing health-funded supports. An additional €1.5 million has since been added by the HSE to the overall allocation, making a total of €13.5 million full-year costs to meet the needs of this cohort of young people. A further €1.5 million once-off capital funding is also being allocated by the HSE for the provision of suitable buildings, premises and accommodation.

The HSE, through its Occupational Guidance Service, works with schools, service providers, young people with disabilities and their families to identify training needs and explore suitable options. The provision of services to school-leavers and rehabilitative training graduates is challenging each year as the number of individuals requiring health funded supports continues to increase year on year.

As the Deputy's question requests specific information regarding service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive 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.