Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014
409. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if his Department applies different policy criteria to a child with autism requiring speech therapy services who is based in a mainstream school than to a child accessing the same service in a specialist autism unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10490/14]
View answerSignificant resources have been invested by the health sector in recent years in services for children with special needs, including those with autism. The Government is committed to the provision and development of services for these children, having regard to available resources.
The Health Service Executive’s National Review of Autism Services: Past, Present and Way Forward Report (2012) and its National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years) set out the overall policy context for the provision of autism services to children and young people. The objective of the Progressing Disability Services Programme is to achieve a national, unified approach to delivering disability health services. This Programme, when implemented, should mean greater equity in accessing services, based on need, clearer referral pathways to these services and improved collaboration between the relevant sectors. An additional €4m has been specifically allocated in 2014 to drive implementation of the Programme. This equates to approximately 80 therapy posts.
The specific issue of access by children with autism to speech and language therapy services is an operational matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
