James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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389. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide details of autism facilities in counties Longford and Westmeath including his plans for improving and ensuring the rights of persons with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20115/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that not only affects approximately one in every 100 citizens in Europe, but also impacts on their families and society at large.

This Government is committed to providing specialist disability supports to enable each individual with a disability including those with ASD, to achieve his or her full potential and maximise independence, including living as independently as possible. Services are provided in a variety of community and residential settings in partnership with service users, their families and carers and a range of statutory, non-statutory, voluntary and community groups. Services provided by ASD ‘Service Providers’ include assessment, diagnosis and ongoing treatment and intervention supports. Ongoing interventions and supports may include home support services, respite services and multi-disciplinary team supports to assess the individual needs of each person with ASD and provide for the appropriate interventions.

The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy has been examining issues around autism across Government Departments in association with the National Disability Authority (NDA). This work by the NDA, which has included consultation with families, will be of significant assistance in informing how best to address the needs of people with ASD so that we can be sure that they are appropriately reflected and included in policies and actions.

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.