Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 75: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [11082/08]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government is committed to providing a high quality service to all people with a disability as illustrated by the substantial investment in the disability sector over the last number of years. An integral part of the National Disability Strategy is the Multi-Annual Investment Programme, published in December 2004, which contains details of specific commitments in relation to the provision of high priority disability services over the period 2006 to 2009. These commitments include the development of new residential, respite and day places for persons with intellectual disability and autism in each of the years covered by the programme. Additional funding was also provided to enhance the level and range of multi-disciplinary support services, available to adults and children with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities and those with autism.

Prior to the establishment of the HSE, different approaches had emerged throughout the country in relation to service delivery for individuals with autism. Early intervention services exist in many parts of the country, some of which are run by the Health Service Executive and others are run by the non-statutory agencies, but there are inconsistencies in their approach and delivery. The HSE is committed to redesigning these services in line with its Transformation Programme and current best practice.

My Department is currently preparing legislation to clarify and update existing legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services (which would incorporate autism 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.

At present, 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.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 76: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to a query (details supplied). [11083/08]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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.

The Deputy's specific 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.