Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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1065. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children aged 0 to six and six to 18 years of age respectively with autistic spectrum disorder who are being or were diagnostically assessed on a monthly basis, by county for each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36370/17]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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1067. To ask the Minister for Health the number of posts required to deliver full diagnostic assessments and support services to children on a waiting list with autistic spectrum disorder in an area (details supplied); the number of posts required on an ongoing basis to deliver the necessary therapies and supports for those children, based on current trends; the details of the posts for occupational therapists, psychologist, speech and language therapists posts under relevant headings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36372/17]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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1089. To ask the Minister for Health when he will appoint a psychologist for children with autism aged between six and 18 years of age to a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36432/17]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1065, 1067 and 1089 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 questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.