Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if Autism will be a key priority of his as part of Ireland's Presidency of the EU in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53131/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the issue of children’s disability policy and services including autism is a priority for the Government. The Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs co-operate on an ongoing basis with a view to advancing children's disability issues including autism. A dedicated Cross-Sectoral Team, comprising representatives of the three Departments, the HSE, the National Educational Psychological Service and the National Council for Special Education plays a key role in this regard.

Earlier this year to strengthen co-operation across the sectors on policy and operational matters in this regard a Principal Officer led Unit was established in my Department whose brief includes the promotion of enhanced inter-sectoral collaboration on children’s disability issues including autism.

In recognition of the emphasis placed by the Government on these matters it is envisaged that the issue of children with intellectual disabilities and autism will feature on the agenda of the Informal Meeting of Health Ministers during Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council in 2013.