Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Assistance Dogs are highly trained and help to control and improve the child’s behaviour in public places. Assistance dogs also help children with autism to develop coping mechanisms, improve communication skills and their ability to learn and participate in social activities. All these benefits improve the long term quality of the life of the child and reduce the need for other costly supports and interventions. 

There are a number of organisations that provide dogs to assist with autism, a number of which receive direct funding from the HSE and in that regard as this is a service matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for direct reply.

Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

535. To ask the Minister for Health when the family of a person (details supplied) can expect to receive their care plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56321/22]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.