Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 285: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6 receives an early assessment at a language unit in order that early and intensive treatment can be given; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17099/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy may be aware, Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which commenced on June 1 2007 for children under 5 provides people with disabilities with an entitlement to:

An independent Assessment of health and education needs

A statement of the services (Service Statement) which it is proposed to provide, which will be prepared by a Liaison Officer

Pursue a complaint if there is a failure to provide these entitlements

Make an appeal through an independent appeals office against a recommendation of complaints officer or the non implementation of recommendation of complaints officer (by HSE or education provider)

This prioritisation reflects the importance of intervention early in life, which can have a significant impact on the disabling effects of a condition or impairment. Part 2 will be commenced in respect of children aged 5-18 in tandem with the implementation of the EPSEN Act. The statutory requirements of Part 2 of the Disability Act will be extended to adults as soon as possible but no later than 2011.

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.