Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the action his Department is taking to ensure adequate provision of special needs care for children who wish to attend preschool; his views on the needs of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36679/08]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 provides people with disabilities with an entitlement to: an independent assessment of their health and education needs; a statement of the services it is proposed to provide; pursue a complaint through the HSE complaints process if necessary; and to make an appeal to the independent Disability Appeals Officer.

Part 2 of the Act commenced for children aged under 5 years with effect from 1st June 2007. Children under 5 years were chosen as a priority for the introduction of the assessment of need process under the Disability Act 2005 because of the importance of intervention early in life which can have a significant impact on the disabling effects of a condition or impairment. As the implementation of the Act in relation to children under 5 is a matter for the Health Service Executive, I would advise the Deputy to contact the Local Health Office of the HSE directly regarding the matter raised by him.