Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 124: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason a child (details supplied) in County Meath who had been receiving early intervention services until their sixth birthday, has been refused services on application to transfer to the disability services; if she will re-examine this application with a view to awarding the vital services needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28817/07]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Disability Act 2005 is a central element of the National Disability Strategy. Part 2 of the Act commenced for children with a disability, including those with autism, aged under five years with effect from 1st June 2007 and provides for an independent assessment of need for such persons and for a formal statement of the services that will be provided to them arising from the assessment. Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 will be commenced in respect of children aged 5-18 in tandem with the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004.

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.