Serious shortcomings in the quality and safety of care provided by a Tipperary-based HSE-run home for people with an intellectual disability have been found by the State's health services watchdog.

A man who has brought smiles to the faces of countless sick and deserving children was given a standing ovation by more than 250 guests as he was pronounced Cork Person of the Year.

A special concert will be held in Cork this week to raise funds for autism supports and services.

Almost 100 teenagers with severe autism in Munster have been refused school places due to cutbacks in funding, cutting off their access to crucial educational and psychiatric support.