Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
900. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of early intervention teams for children in each local health area; the total number on each team; the numbers of children in each area waiting for an appointment with a team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1691/14]
View answerThe Health Service Executive has recognised the need to increase the level of consistency and standardisation in the way both early intervention services and services for school-aged children with disabilities, including autism, are delivered. It is currently engaged in a reconfiguration of existing therapy resources to geographic based teams for children (0-18 years) as part of the National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years).
The purpose of the reconfiguration of existing therapy resources is to ensure that the resources available are used to best effect, in order to provide health supports and ongoing therapy to all children (0-18 years) in line with their prioritised needs. In particular, it will mean that all children, regardless of where they receive their education services will have equitable access to services based on their needs.
In that context, my Department has asked the HSE to provide the Deputy with the detailed information requested concerning Early Intervention Teams in each local health area.
