148 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to improve inter-departmental liaison with the Department of Education and Science to co-ordinate identified special needs in school pupils with the provision of necessary services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3314/07]

As provided for in the Department of Health and Children's Sectoral Plan, a Cross-Sectoral Team was established to "ensure that arrangements for the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act and the EPSEN Act are progressed in tandem, having due regard to the resources and capacity of both sectors concerned". The Team consists of representatives form the Department of Health and Children, the Department of Education and Science, the Health Service Executive and the National Council for Special Education. It first met in October 2006 and continues to meet on a regular basis. The issue of service provision is a matter for the Health Service Executive and the National Council for Special Education.