Liberal Democrat Schools and Skills spokesperson Hugh O’Donnell MSP has seized on a funding promise from the Public Health Minister for prime-pump funding for autism.

Mr O’Donnell will lodge Parliamentary Questions seeking details about this woolly funding commitment.

Commenting, Mr O’Donnell said:

“I pressed the Public Health Minister for details about the future of the national ASD reference group. Instead of an answer to my question, I received a vague funding commitment for Managed Clinical Networks for autism.

“While I’m disappointed that the Minister was unable to confirm the future of this vital organisation yesterday, I am pleased that she is making funding available for MCNs for autism.

“I don’t intend to let the Scottish Government get away with a woolly commitment that “it might be possible to make available pump-priming funding”. I have lodged questions in the Scottish Parliament to ascertain exactly how much will be made available and when local health partnerships can apply for this funding.”