David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 338: To ask the Minister for Health and Children with regard to the provisions in Part 2 of the Disability Act, 2005 dealing with assessment of need and statement of services, if the plan for the implementation of same for children aged 5 to 18 has been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31095/06]

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

The implementation of the provisions of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, 2004 has a significant impact on the plans for the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act. The arrangements for the implementation of one Act cannot be considered in isolation from the arrangements for the other, as the same health service staff, mainly in the areas of disability and mental health services, will be called upon to provide assessments and services under both Acts. Close collaboration and cross-sectoral working will continue at local and national level, involving the Health Service Executive (HSE), National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and both Departments concerned.

Following consultation between my Department, the HSE, the Department of Education & Science, the NCSE and other stakeholders, it has been agreed that, in the phasing arrangements for the implementation of Part 2, priority will be given to the needs of young children as follows:

Part 2 will commence for children aged under 5 years old with effect from 1st June 2007.

Part 2 will be commenced in respect of children aged 5-18 in tandem with the implementation of the EPSEN Act.

In preparation for its implementation, health related support services for children aged 5 to 18 will continue to be enhanced to enable the HSE to meet needs identified for this group.