Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 103: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department exchanges information with the Department of Education and Science on the number of children that are either born or later diagnosed with special needs in order that educational services can be planned for in line with demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4939/06]

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 104: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her Department keeps a record of the number of children born with special needs or who are later diagnosed with special needs with a view to ensuring that funding is allocated to the appropriate services in line with demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4940/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 104 together.

The Department of Health and Children has established two national databases in the area of disability, both of which are managed on behalf of the Department by the Health Research Board. The two databases are the national intellectual disability database, which was established in 1995, and the national physical and sensory disability database which was established in 2002. The national intellectual disability database would also include information on some persons with autism, who would also have an intellectual disability. The databases are intended to provide a comprehensive and accurate information base for decision making in the planning, funding and management of services for people with disabilities. The databases provide data on demographic characteristics, current service provision and future service needs over a five year period. The former health boards were responsible for the collection and validation of information for their regions and this is now the responsibility of the HSE. Responsibility for providing the information to the HSE lies primarily with the service providers, community care personnel and school principals and individuals with disabilities. Registration on the databases is voluntary.

The National Intellectual Disability Database Committee has published seven annual reports to date. The information from the national intellectual disability database is also used to monitor service developments and has been a key factor in securing the significant additional funding which has been invested in these services since 1997.

The National Physical and Sensory Disability Database Committee published a preliminary analysis report for 2004 in December 2004 and a full report for 2004 in December 2005. The Disability Act 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 place specific requirements on both the HSE and the National Council for Special Education on information on services to be provided under both legislative measures. The overall information requirements are currently being examined in the context of these provisions.

The Department of Health and Children provide information to the Department of Education and Science from the data which is available to it from the databases. The former health boards and now the HSE also exchange information and liaise with that Department and with the National Council for Special Education at an operational level.