Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 170: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when diagnostic assessment of autistic spectrum disorder will be completed for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [25567/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 171: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if full details have been worked out in relation to the out of hours cross-Border pilot project that was announced for Inishowen, County Donegal; if so, when same will be up and running; the way in which referrals are to be made; the way in which patient information will be exchanged between jurisdictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25577/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am advised by the Health Service Executive (HSE) that work has been under way over the last year under the auspices of Co-Operation and Working Together (CAWT) to introduce cross-border co-operation in the area of GP out of hours services. Interreg funding has been obtained for the project. This service will be of benefit to people across the border area who live closer to a GP out of hours centre in the other jurisdiction. Approximately 65,000 people across the border area live closer to a GP out of hours centre in the opposite jurisdiction.

A feasibility study has recommended the setting up of two pilot areas, each with populations of approximately 13,000 along the border, one where patients in the Republic will have access to a centre in Northern Ireland and one where patients in Northern Ireland will have access to a centre in the Republic.

I have been informed by the HSE that the two pilot areas are: patients from Inishowen will be able to obtain a service in Derry commencing by end 2006; patients from Keady will be able to obtain a service in Castleblayney commencing early 2007.

The respective Government Health Departments — the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety have met with the CAWT team and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to review progress. I welcome this service initiative and my Department will assist in addressing and resolving any obstacles at Government level to enable the service to begin.