Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

434. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department and the HSE are pursuing a policy of providing an appropriate day service for school leavers with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50449/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide them with greater freedom in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.

HSE Disability Services engages in a detailed and person centred process with a wide range of agencies every year to identify the most appropriate service provider and quantum of service and to meet the individual needs of each school leaver. This process takes place over a number of months and is led by the needs of each individual school leaver. In addition, HSE Disability Services also engages with individual school leaver families to listen to, and address, any concerns they may have regarding the process.

The assessment of needs for each individual school leaver who will require a day service in 2018 has already commenced.