Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Independent)
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632. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure disability services will be provided to a child (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2796/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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This aims to increase the level of consistency and standardisation in the way both early intervention services and services for school-aged children with disabilities are delivered. A detailed action plan is being implemented with the following objectives: - One clear pathway to services for all children with disabilities according to need. - Resources used to the greatest benefit for all children and families. - Health and education working together to support children to achieve their potential.

The health and education sectors co-operate on a regular basis with a view to integrating their services for these children as much as possible and targeting them to areas of greatest need. At the same time there is a need to strengthen this co-operation and I am personally committed to this issue. I have established the Children, Adolescents and Young People with Complex Disabilities Unit in my Department led by a Principal Officer. This important development aims to foster greater collaboration between my Department, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on children’s disability issues including autism and to build on the cross-sectoral working arrangements that are already in place.

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 to the Deputy.