Nessa Cosgrove (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. It is really good to hear such a positive response. With regard to delays in treatment, parents and experts are saying that if it is not treated within the first 18 months, the delays in treatment can lead to irreversible and permanent regression in people.From speaking with parents of children who are displaying symptoms of Down's syndrome regression disorder, they are hoping that we could establish a task force that would encompass all the different professionals in the HSE and Down Syndrome Ireland. It would look to see what the best pathways for children and young people are to receive the required testing and acute diagnosis. If they are not available in this jurisdiction, can opportunities become available beyond our borders, whether privately or publicly, funded by the HSE or the Department of Health? Part of the theme of World Down Syndrome Day was to improve support systems. I know we are discussing a small cohort of people but this is a support system that could change their lives, because early intervention is crucial.