183 Ms Fox asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by a group (details supplied) in the allocation of residential places and training programme places for 2005 due to the delay in the allocation of funding; if her attention has further been drawn to the effect this delay has on the families awaiting places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10075/05]

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of funding. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to investigate the matter raised and reply directly to the Deputy.