Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2022
534. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if his Department will recognise that autism assistance dogs should have the same recognition as dogs for the blind; if his Department will consider providing Government funding in line with the way ]guide dogs in Ireland are funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56299/22]
View answerAssistance Dogs are highly trained and help to control and improve the child’s behaviour in public places. Assistance dogs also help children with autism to develop coping mechanisms, improve communication skills and their ability to learn and participate in social activities. All these benefits improve the long term quality of the life of the child and reduce the need for other costly supports and interventions.
There are a number of organisations that provide dogs to assist with autism, a number of which receive direct funding from the HSE and in that regard as this is a service matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for direct reply.
