Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of children awaiting assessment for speech and language therapy in County Louth and in the electoral areas of Julianstown and St Mary's in County Meath; the length of time they have been waiting for such service; the number in this area presently receiving this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26218/07]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 208: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of children awaiting pre-school autism assessment in County Louth and in the electoral areas of Julianstown and St Mary's in County Meath; the length of time these children are waiting; the extra resources she is allocating to this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26220/07]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 206 and 208 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, an additional sum of €75m for revenue purposes was provided by the Health Service Executive for Disability Services in the 2007 Budget. This sum incorporates the 2007 element of the Government's multi-annual investment programme for the National Disability Strategy. This Strategy is committed to enhancing the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services to adults and children with an intellectual, physical and sensory disability and those with autism.

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 theDeputy.