176 Mr. Aylward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the long delay in having children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder assessed by the autism team in the south eastern Health Service Executive area where the services are inadequate for people with the disorder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19780/06]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.