Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Ó Caoláin for raising this issue, which I am taking on behalf of the Ministers of State, Deputies Kathleen Lynch and Alex White, who are out of Dublin on official business.

As the Deputy will be aware, current Government policy advocates a mainstreaming approach to the provision of services and supports for people with disabilities, including those with autism, whereby people with disabilities have access to the same services as the general population and, in addition, receive the appropriate supports and interventions to address individual needs. The children, adolescents and young people with complex disabilities unit, led by a principal officer, has been established in the Department of Health. This new unit is charged with fostering greater collaboration between the Departments of Health, Education and Skills and Children and Youth Affairs on children's disability issues, including autism and to build on the cross-sectoral working arrangements that are already in place. The Health Service Executive published the report National Review of Autism Services: Past, Present and Way Forwardin February 2012. This covers children's and adult autism services. The review recommends a move to a more consistent model of delivery, in line with the mainstreaming policy. A reconfiguration of existing service provision is recommended. Also, access should be provided at the appropriate level, depending on need, through the primary care system, school age teams, and specialist intervention services as appropriate. The report will be implemented within existing resources and taking account of the need for greater efficiency and effectiveness in the current climate, and in the context of parallel initiatives, including the value for money review of disability services and the progressing of the disability services for children and young people programme, young people in this context being defined as up to 18 years of age.

With regard to the specific case raised, the Deputy will appreciate that it is not appropriate to discuss the matter in detail in the House, particularly when it relates to a child. However, the HSE has indicated that since the young person's referral in 2009 the child developmental team in Cavan-Monaghan has been actively engaged with him and his family in relation to the identification and provision of assessment and appropriate therapeutic and other services. As the young person concerned is approaching 18 years of age, a full transfer meeting has been held to support his transitioning from child development team services to adult services. A meeting has also been arranged between the key worker, the young person and the family to discuss transitioning arrangements.

The Minister for Health has asked the HSE to keep him informed of developments in relation to the case.

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