Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding speech and language therapy in respect of a person (details supplied) [3644/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Education and Skills has primary responsibility for addressing the educational needs of children with disabilities. However the health sector has a role in terms of providing health-related supports to these children, where required.

The Health Service Executive is currently reconfiguring therapy resources for children with disabilities aged 0 to 18 year, including those with autism. Its National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years) , established since 2010, seeks to bring consistency in service delivery and a clear pathway to services for all children with disabilities according to need, regardless of where they live, which pre-school or school they attend or the nature of their disability. In practical terms this means that health professionals and parents will know exactly where a child should be referred and how to refer them. Services may be provided at primary care level or by early intervention and school age disability teams, with access to specialist services, according to the child's needs.

The particular issue of speech and language supports that has been raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have arranged for the Deputy's questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.