Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. I welcome the news that Waterford will be prioritised for speech and language and other social care posts. We are particularly lacking in these services and it is beginning to raise its head more frequently. As a parent I know we all want the best for our children, and when this is not available, we will do what we can to ensure the child gets every access to the service.

The Minister of State referred in his reply to progressing the disability services for children and young people which is being piloted throughout the country. The case example I used illustrates clearly the absolute imperative for this to progress much more quickly when the Department of Education and Skills assesses a child and the HSE not willing to accept that report. Will the Minister of State relay this information back to the Minister because this is not good enough? It is the child and the family who are falling through the cracks. I do not understand why the psychologist in the HSE will not accept the information provided by a psychologist in the Department of Education and Skills.

The Minister of State will be aware that our colleague, Deputy Michael McCarthy, introduced the Autism Bill which has passed Second Stage. The Bill was introduced to provide for the preparation of an autism strategy and a national framework for addressing the specific needs of adults with autism. The broad thrust of the Bill was accepted by the Government and it was not opposed on Second Stage. Will the Minister of State contact the Whips and the relevant Minister to see how and when we can have this Bill on Committee Stage? The issues I have raised are specific to my area but I am sure they are replicated throughout the country for a group of children, young people and older adults who are deeply in need of our support.

I would appreciate if the Minister of State could do this. I ask him to ask the Minister of State to answer me urgently on the more specific questions that were not answered.

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