Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 616: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by pupils in having assessments carried out by a service (details supplied). [2321/07]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 856: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the waiting times for assessment by a service (details supplied); if her attention has been further drawn to the fact that same prevents early intervention in relation to the provision of a special needs assistant for the pupil involved; and the action she will take to reduce such waiting lists. [2324/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 616 and 856 together.

The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled 'A Vision for Change', was launched on 24th January 2006. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years.

In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was allocated for the development of mental health services in line with 'A Vision for Change'. A further sum of €25 million has been allocated in 2007 to continue this development. A significant amount of this year's funding — €7.95m — is for the development of child and adolescent psychiatric services. This funding will bring about significant improvements in community, hospital-based and early intervention services. Existing multidisciplinary teams will be enhanced and new child and adolescent mental health teams developed.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. The Executive is, therefore, the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.