Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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669. To ask the Minister for Health if a diagnosis of autism can still be made through the assessment of needs process if the child presents with characteristics associated with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23284/21]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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670. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the change of policy in relation to the assessment of needs was made in 2018 and not implemented until January 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23285/21]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.

Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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671. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department has explored the development of a taskforce to liaise between his Department, the HSE and the Department of Education to assist families of autistic children navigate the services they require; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23286/21]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that I recently announced an Autism Innovation Strategy which will address the issues he has raised. The Strategy is under the remit of Department for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration and Youth.