Funding finally secured for intellectually disabled school leavers in Galway

The families of the students faced an uncertain future without a service due to cuts in the disability sector.

County Galway was allocated 210 thousand euro this year, but it was estimated that 800 thousand euro is needed.

The shortfall in funds meant that 14 students in Galway would be left without support services.

However, Labour T.D for Galway West Derek Nolan has confirmed that the funding has been secured to help the affected school-leavers.

Paul Duggan has two teenage sons with autism and his older son Peter has graduated from a full-time service at Ábalta.

Paul is glad Peter is getting the support but is wary about the future for his second son.

Hope for Disability spokesperson, Eamon Walsh says they're giving the news a cautious welcome.

Deputy Nolan says details are being finalised between Minister Frances' Fitzgerald's Department and the HSE West and families will be notified this week.