David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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497. To ask the Minister for Health if a replacement speech and language therapist is being provided to cover maternity leave at a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26761/19]

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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503. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children in County Waterford aged six to 18 years of age awaiting ASD diagnostic assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26777/19]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 497 and 503 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.