Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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240. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children currently on waiting lists for an initial assessment of need to determine severity of a condition or disability from the early intervention teams within the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17212/17]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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241. To ask the Minister for Health the waiting times for children aged zero to 18 years of age for an initial assessment of need from the early intervention teams within the HSE, by HSE area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17213/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 241 together.

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.