Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the national review of autism services, particularly in so far as this relates to the catering for the health needs of children through a service (details supplied); if a model code of practice has been developed for the provision of autism services; if not, when this is foreseen; her views on the possible allocation of sole responsibility for the assessment of the educational needs of children with autism to the Department of Education and Science; if preparations have been made for such a transfer of responsibility; when she will bring forward legislation to establish a concrete legal framework for the provision of community care services by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9007/08]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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Throughout the country different approaches have emerged in relation to service delivery for individuals with autism. Early Intervention Services exist in many parts of the country. Some are run by the Health Service Executive and others are run by the non-statutory agencies. At present there are inconsistencies in approach and delivery of early services. The Health Service Executive is committed to redesigning these services in line with the transformation programme and best practice.

My Department is currently preparing legislation to clarify and update existing legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services. The Eligibility for Health and Personal Social Services Bill will define specific health and personal services more clearly; define who should be eligible for what services; set out clear criteria for eligibility; establish when and in what circumstances charges may be made and provide for an appeals framework.

It is expected that proposals will be submitted to Government in the first half of 2008.

Representatives of the Department of Health and Children, Department of Education and Science, the Health Service Executive and the National Council for Special Education meet on a monthly basis to address issues arising in relation to the implementation of the Disability Act, 2005 for children under 5 years, which commenced on 1 June last. The group is also planning for the roll out of Part 2 of the Disability Act, 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Needs Act, 2004 to children between 5 and 18 years and to adults. Issues in relation to the timely and appropriate provision of health and education supports to children with a range of disabilities including autism are being considered in the context of these discussions.

The recently-established Office for Disability and Mental Health will focus in particular on facilitating the delivery of integrated health and education support services for children with special needs, by further developing these existing mechanisms for co-operation and co-ordination between the health and education sectors.

The Deputy's question in relation to the national review of autism services 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.