Reilly under fire over autism funding

Health Minister James Reilly faces questions over funding autism services in his Dublin political heartland amid claims that other parts of the country have been left “in limbo” awaiting resources.

Opposition TDs intend quizzing Dr Reilly today over €300,000 in health funds allocated for autism services in north Dublin, his constituency political backyard.

Dr Reilly had promised €3m for autism services nationwide last year, but has only released €300,000 for north Dublin to date.

The €300,000 allocated this year is being used for five speech and language, psychology and occupational therapy posts at the HSE’s therapeutic unit for children with autism, Beechpark Services, in north Dublin.

But the service also helps children and families in the Wicklow, Kildare and mid-Leinster areas.

Support groups for children with autism yesterday asked why funds had not been allocated for other areas.

Shine Ireland, a Munster-based charity giving support services for children with autism, said families were in the dark about when funds would be distributed.

Its CEO Kieran Kennedy said: “We’re glad that he’s started to spend some of the money. We were beginning to think none would be spent. But we want word from the department when the rest will be spent and how. Will it be pet projects? Or will it go on general services? Is it going to be targeted?

“Every area in the country is looking for more money for services. A bad situation is getting worse. We also need value for money. We’re all in limbo.”

A spokesman for Dr Reilly said: “The specific posts that have been approved for Beechpark under this funding is to provide services for the entire northside of Dublin where there is a clear need for enhanced services with a large population with growing numbers of children.”

A review of funding for autism services is expected to be completed and presented to the minister within weeks, the spokesman added.

A spokesman for Eamon Gilmore said that it was important the funds for autism were spent “effectively and as quickly as possible”.

But Opposition TDs want answers on why funds to date have only been released for north Dublin.

Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher said he would raise the matter in the Dáil.

“Just 10% of the €3m announced has so far been spent. But only one constituency has benefited, while the minister has ordered a review into autism spending in every other area of the country. It seems extraordinary that everywhere in the country except the area that covers the minister’s constituency should be subject to a review.”

Sinn Féin’s Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the allocation of funds was “outrageous and discriminatory”.

“What of the needs of children with autism in other areas of the state, where there is a long identified shortage of speech and language therapists and other service needs?

“Is Minister Reilly in denial of the essential needs of children with autism outside his own constituency and the general north Dublin area?”