asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Rooker on 20 June (WA 67), how many children are awaiting assessment for autistic spectrum disorder in each of the areas covered by the seven early intervention teams operating within Northern Ireland; and what is the maximum waiting time in each area.[HL6623]

The information requested is not held centrally and will take some time to collate. I will write to the noble Lord with the relevant information as soon as it becomes available and place a copy in the Library.

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What proposals they intend to bring forward to optimise and sustain the work of Autism Northern Ireland.[HL6624]

The Government value the services of Autism NI in working to promote the needs of those with autistic spectrum disorders. In 2005-06, the Government, through the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, provided Autism NI with funding of £46,148 to support its administration and management costs. Similar core funding will continue in 2006-07.