Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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229. To ask the Minister for Health the options available to children that have applied to the HSE for an assessment of need and that have not received their assessment within the three month period as required under the Disability Act 2005; if his attention has been drawn to the long delays for children receiving assessment of needs from early intervention teams across the country; the efforts he will make to ensure that the HSE and early intervention teams meet their obligations under the Disability Act 2005; the reason the HSE refuse to accept an assessment of need from a private practitioner in circumstances in which a delay in obtaining an assessment of need has occurred when such an assessment is accepted by the Department of Education and Skills; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12315/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.