Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if assessment, treatment and funding to meet the requirements of those suffering autistic spectrum disorders are uniform across all Health Service Executive regions; if a specific question will be added to the census to determine the numbers of people who have autistic spectrum disorder; the reason for the delay in accessing assessment for children in the south Tipperary area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2637/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Central Statistics Office has indicated to the Department that a specific question on autistic spectrum disorder will not be included in the 2011 Census of Population. It is planned to include a general question on the number of persons with a disability but not to include questions on specific disabilities. This approach is being taken following a consultation process in 2008, in relation to the contents of the 2011 Census of Population, which included representatives of the National Disability Authority, the Equality Authority, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies.

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