Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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654. To ask the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will be provided with an appointment for an initial assessment for autism spectrum disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18574/19]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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655. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children under six years of age that are waiting for an ASD assessment in County Waterford in excess of a six and 12 month waiting period, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18577/19]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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656. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children aged between six and 18 years of age with autism waiting in County Waterford for child psychology services, for example, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and so on in excess of six, 12 and 18 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18578/19]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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657. To ask the Minister for Health the number of support staff employed in County Waterford to assist in the delivery of services to children with autism; the breakdown of those posts by relevant discipline; if there are deficiencies in posts; if so, his plans to address those deficiencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18579/19]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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672. To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for an ASD assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18624/19]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 654 to 657, inclusive and 672 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.