Vol. 494 No. 6
65 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on the extent of the incidence of attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; the services available to sufferers and their families; if he will make core-funding available to the Irish National Council for attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder support groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18879/98]
Estimates of the prevalence of attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder vary with the degree or intensity of difficulty. Exact figures on the incidence of this disorder are not currently available. However, there is an indication that the number of children and adolescents being diagnosed as suffering from this disorder may be on the increase. The diagnosis, assessment and treatment of attention deficit disorder normally falls within the area of responsibility of the child and adolescent psychiatric services in each health board. The development of a comprehensive child and adolescent psychiatric service in each health board area has been identified as a priority in my Department's Health Strategy — Shaping a Healthier Future and a consultant-led service is now available in each health board.
My Department is currently in the process of formulating a policy document for the further development of child and adolescent psychiatric services which will include consideration of the specific needs of children and adolescents with attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In the meantime, I have provided additional revenue resources in the current year to enable further improvements to be undertaken in the child and adolescent services in a number of health boards.
