Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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420. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children on a waiting list for the HSE Galway and Roscommon autism services to date in 2019, in tabular form; the average length of waiting periods; the numbers waiting in excess of 3, 6, 12 and 18 months respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37400/19]

Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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421. To ask the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the lengthy waiting periods for children to access services through the HSE Galway and Roscommon autism services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37401/19]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 421 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.