Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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108. To ask the Minister for Health the number of school leaver day service places that are available for young adults over 18 years of age on the autism spectrum in September 2017; if all young adults on the autism spectrum requiring localised day services currently are in appropriate placements; if any 18 year olds will not be offered day service placements in September 2017 and the reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4251/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities that will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. The commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. With regard to the provision of day services for school-leavers with disabilities, the Programme for Partnership Government contains a commitment to ensuring that all 18 year old school leavers with intellectual and physical disabilities have continued education or training opportunities. Many of these young people will progress to mainstream education, training or employment but others will require continuing HSE-funded support services.

The process of meeting the needs of around 1,500 school leavers and Rehabilitative (Life-skills) Training graduates who require a HSE-funded day service in 2017 has commenced and has been further refined building on the learning from the 2016 planning process. To ensure that needs are met, additional funding of €10 million is being allocated by the HSE to provide appropriate services and supports. A standardised process for the identification of support needs has been put in place and a profiling exercise has commenced with each individual in order to ascertain their needs and preferences. It is intended that families and service users will be notified by the end of May of the placements which will be made available to them.

As the remainder of the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.