Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 514: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the services and facilities available to autistic children in County Clare; if there are plans to improve the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2155/09]

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 515: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to reduce the waiting times for autism screening in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2156/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 515 together.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 516: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [2164/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Departments of Education and Science and Health and Children have had discussions with the Rosminians regarding their proposals to develop a national centre of excellence for the visually impaired at St. Joseph's School in Drumcondra, Dublin. Current policy and best practice in regard to health service delivery for blind/visually impaired children is that children who are blind/visually impaired remain in their local schools with appropriate supports. This position was indicated to the Health Service Executive and the Department of Education and Science in November 2005. The issue of service and capital developments within the Health and Educational Sectors are matters for the Health Service Executive and the Department of Education and Science, within their annual Votes.