Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2004
183 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the benefits of early intervention in a pre-school play group setting for children with language delay or disability such as those with autism and Down’s syndrome; and if he intends to make available funding or grant aid to groups that provide such services. [5456/04]
View answerIn line with the findings of the task force on autism, it is my Department's belief that the earlier a child receives educational and clinical intervention the more likely the communication, language and social imagination impairments will be lessened and prognosis improved. Although many of the children who receive early intervention will not become independent in adulthood, it is hoped that their level of dependency will be significantly reduced. It is also expected that early education may increase the child's likelihood of progressing toward full inclusion during primary school.
It is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the relevant health boards to prioritise the allocation of funding to various projects. Regard must be taken of the identified service needs and the financial resources available to the board in any given year.
