Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the level of co-operation and communication that exists between her Department and the Department of Education and Science with regard to specialist reports that are sought from health professionals in order for children to qualify for extra supports at school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24026/07]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Significant developments have taken place to promote the philosophy of a joined up government approach to disability and mental health.

The two Acts (Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 and Disability Act 2005), provide the new framework within which specialist support services to children and adults with disabilities and mental health will be planned and delivered. The provisions of the EPSEN Act 2004 and the Disability Act 2005 are complementary and designed to cover the spectrum of needs for both adults and children. This includes transition planning at various stages such as pre-school to primary, primary to second level and into adult services. The NCSE and the HSE are the two key delivery organisations in both Acts and in order to oversee implementation of both Acts and as provided for in the Action Plan, a Cross Sectoral team has been established, with membership from my Department, the Department of Education and Science, the HSE and the NCSE, to progress the work in these areas.

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.