Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

644. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for a timeline on the introduction of the European disability card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5802/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The European Commission published a proposal for a Directive establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities on 6th September 2023. The proposal is one of the flagship initiatives of the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-30.

A provisional agreement was reached on the proposed Directive between the Council and the European Parliament on 8th February 2024, and the Directive was adopted by the Council on 14 October 2024. Following signature by the Council and the European Parliament, the Directive was published on 14 November 2024. Member States now have until 5 June 2027 (30 months) to transpose the Directive into national law and until 5 June 2028 (42 months) to introduce the Cards.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

645. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will address the lack of access to essential services for children diagnosed with autism, specifically in the case of a child (details supplied) diagnosed in May 2024 who was recommended psychology, speech and language therapy, and occupational therapy in his assessment of need but has been unable to access these services due to long waiting times, lack of service provision, and staffing shortages; if urgent measures will be taken to provide timely intervention for this child and others in similar circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5812/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.