Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he has discussed the issue of Autism with his ministerial counterparts at an EU level in terms of Council of Minister meetings or informal meetings; if he will provide an overview of such discussions and any conclusions arrived at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17184/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The issue of children’s disability policy and services including autism is a priority for the Government. My Department, the Health Service Executive, the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs all 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.

In 2012, 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.

The issue of children with complex developmental needs, including autism, was included as an agenda item for the Informal Meeting of Health Ministers on 4th and 5th March 2013, as part of Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council. Member states were invited to share examples of best practice and to consider what information could be shared to assist in improving health service policy and service delivery.