Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 590: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the way information is gathered to clearly identify children with autism spectrum disorders; her views on whether including such a category within the census would assist her Department, the Health Service Executive and other agencies in providing a targeted response in a cost effective and timely manner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39070/09]

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.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 591: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the initiatives which have taken place in recent years to educate the public about autism spectrum disorders and the way it affects the people with such conditions in view of the lack of understanding amongst the general public and some agencies which leads to misunderstandings in schools and social situations; if such an information campaign could be put together cheaply over the coming months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39071/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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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.