Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Health if there are cases in which a child whose parents applied for an assessment of need by the Health Service Executive before the child turned five are still waiting for an assessment after the child has turned five, and if such children retain their entitlement to an assessment [12963/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 was commenced on 1 June 2007 in respect of children aged under 5 years; this includes an entitlement to an independent assessment of health and education needs. From the date of commencement, any parent who has concerns that their child aged under 5 may have a disability can apply for an assessment of need under Part 2 of the Act. Where a parent has applied for an assessment of need on behalf of a child before their fifth birthday, the entitlement to an assessment is retained after the child turns 5. The part of the Deputy's question relating to specific cases in which a child whose parents applied for an assessment of need before the child turned 5 and may still be waiting for an assessment after the child has turned 5 is a service matter and has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.