Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The Government is committed to providing a high quality service for all people with a disability, as illustrated by the substantial investment in the disability sector in recent years. An integral part of the national disability strategy is the multi-annual investment programme, published in December 2004, which contains details of specific commitments in regard to the provision of high priority disability services in the period 2006 to 2009. These commitments include the development of new residential, respite and day places for persons with an intellectual disability and autism in each of the years covered by the programme. Additional funding was also provided to enhance the level and range of multidisciplinary support services available to adults and children with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities and those with autism. It also provided for the recruitment of additional professional and support staff. The priority to date has been to enhance assessment and support services for children with disabilities.

Prior to the establishment of the Health Service Executive, different approaches had emerged throughout the State to service delivery for individuals with autism. There are early intervention services in many parts of the country, some of which are run by the HSE and others by non-statutory agencies, but there are inconsistencies in their approach and delivery. The HSE is committed to redesigning these services in line with its transformation programme and current best practice.

Intervention early in life can have a significant impact on the disabling effects of a condition or impairment. In recognition of this, Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 was commenced for children aged under five years with effect from 1 June 2007. This provides parents of young children with disabilities with an entitlement to an independent assessment of their child's health and education needs and a statement of the services it is proposed to provide for that child. To date, more than 1,300 applications for assessment of need have been received and are being processed by the HSE.

Representatives of the Departments of Health and Children and Education and Science, the HSE and the National Council for Special Education meet on a monthly basis to address a range of issues, including matters arising from the ongoing implementation of the Disability Act 2005.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

This work includes planning for the roll-out of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Needs Act 2004 to children aged between five and 18 years and to adults. Issues in regard to the timely and appropriate provision of health and education supports for children with a range of disabilities, including autism, are being considered in the context of these discussions. Health related support services for children aged five to 18 years and for adults will continue to be enhanced to enable the HSE to meet needs identified for this group.

The recently established Office for Disability and Mental Health will focus on facilitating the delivery of integrated health and education support services for children with special needs, by further developing the existing mechanisms for co-operation and co-ordination between the health and education sectors.

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