Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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829. To ask the Minister for Health if he will support a proper early intervention team for north city Dublin as a matter of urgency. [33185/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Government is committed to the provision and development of services for children with a disability, including early intervention services, within available resources. While these services are in the process of being reconfigured under the HSE’s National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years), it is important to note that all HSE areas have early intervention services in place for children with disabilities aged up to eighteen years. These are provided directly by the HSE or by voluntary service providers funded by the HSE.

The aim of the Progressing Disability Services Programme is to achieve a national, unified approach to delivering disability health services so that there is a clear pathway to services for all children, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of their disability. An additional €4m has been specifically allocated in 2014 to drive implementation of the Programme. This equates to approximately 80 therapy posts. The transition to this new model is taking place on a phased basis and, importantly, includes consultation and engagement with stakeholders, such as service users and their families.

As the specific issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the HSE, I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be referred to the Executive for direct reply to him.