Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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346. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will support services for all children with a disability in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2325/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I should inform the Deputy at the outset that responsibility for disability rests with the Minister for Health. The Department of Justice and Equality leads on the National Disability Strategy and my Department supports that effort.

Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People includes a number of commitments from across a range of Government Departments and agencies aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people with disabilities.

The National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan contains three actions which my Department must progress involving children with disabilities in participation and consultation; needs assessment in the context of child welfare and protection; and better supports in the preschool year.

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme makes special provisions for access by children with special needs. These include an exemption to the upper age limit and the option of splitting the provision over two years, by availing of the programme for 2 days per week in the first year and for 3 days per week in the second year. A module on working with children with special needs is being included in FETAC Level 6 Awards for pre-school leaders to assist in up-skilling pre-school services. My Department has been working with the Departments of Health and Education & Skills on building better supports to facilitate the inclusion of special needs children in mainstream pre-school settings.

I believe that Tusla, now just one year old, has a significant contribution to make to supporting children and families dealing with a disability. I am informed by Tusla that it has put in place a number of its initiatives. The "Meitheal" model currently under development will identify additional supports for families who do not meet the threshold for receipt of a child protection or child welfare service but have other vulnerabilities identified and ensure those needs are met by the appropriate service provider. Tusla is working to enhance links in these areas to ensure that services are provided in a co-ordinated and efficient manner. A key priority for Tusla in 2015 will be the development of collaborative arrangements in respect of primary care provision, including a focus on Youth Mental Health. Performance indicators are in place regarding children in care with disability. Tusla has ongoing liaison with the Health Service Executive with regard to disability services.

In December 2014, the National Disability Authority and Tusla jointly co-hosted a roundtable on "Parents and Parenting with a Disability". The priority issues to emerge from the discussion highlighted a range of needs - early identification and intervention; early assessment based on competency to parent; clarity on the role of statutory bodies; joined-up and planned approach in support services and supports in the community. None of these conclusions are new and none are a surprise but they are a reflection of the challenges that faces families and the services they need in dealing with disability.