Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

The diagnosis of autism is outlined in the international classification of diseases and related health problems. There are five diagnoses under this umbrella. The overall estimated prevalence is in the order of 60 in 10,000 children. As I said, there has been a degree of inconsistency in the delivery of services throughout the State which the HSE is committed to correcting. To date, there is no agreed mechanism for interaction between the HSE and the Department of Education and Science and practices differ throughout the State. The recently established Office of Disability and Mental Health, which I have the honour of heading up, is designed specifically to tackle such problems as this. If the Deputy requires, I can discuss the issue further.

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