Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013
686. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan will receive an appointment with the child development team of the Health Service Executive; the plans in place to ensure that timely diagnoses are made for children with Asperger's Syndrome; if priority will be given to this case in view of the circumstances involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4131/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the provision and development of services for children with a disability including those with autism having regard to the resources available. A range of community and other services are provided for children with a disability including those with autism by or on behalf of the HSE. Significantly the HSE is currently engaged in a reconfiguration of existing therapy resources to geographic based teams for children and young people with disabilities including those with autism under its Progressing Disabilities Programme for Children and Young People (0-18 years). This aims to increase the level of consistency and standardisation in the way both early intervention services and services for school-aged children with disabilities are delivered.
A detailed action plan is being implemented with the following objectives:
- One clear pathway to services for all children with disabilities according to need
- Resources used to the greatest benefit for all children and families
- Health and education working together to support children to achieve their potential.
In practical terms this means that health professionals and parents will know exactly where a child should be referred and how to refer them. Services may be provided at primary care level or by early intervention and school age disability teams, with access to specialist services, according to the child’s needs.The reconfiguration of existing therapy resources aims to ensure that the resources available are used to best effect. The particular issue raised by the Deputy is an operational service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
