The Minister for Disability and Mental Health has said he is in discussions with his colleague, Mary Hanafin, about best to deliver education to children with autistic problems.
He was answering questions about the plight of the Ó Cuannacháin family, who face losing their home after being ordered to pay their own costs after a lengthy legal battle on behalf of their autistic son, Seán.
Dr Devins's boss, Mary Harney, said she would not be intervening in the case.
The Minister for Health and Children said any questions should be directed to Minister Mary Hanafin because it was essentially a matter for her.
The comments were made at Government Buildings at the official launch of two new Offices, one for for Older People and the other for Disabiltiy and Mental Health.
The Taoiseach said the idea of the new offices was to place the needs of the citizens, at each stage of their life, at the centre piece of social policy. He described them as having a 'cross-departmental approach'.
Dr Devins now leads the Office for Disability and Mental Health while retaining his junior ministry. He has linkages to four departments, including Education and Science.
North Tipperary TD and Minister of State Máire Hoctor will head the Office for Older People.
The Taoiseach said the Government was seeking through the new offices to support and reward co-ordination across different departments.
He said the innovative approach would build on the two years of experience at the 'model' Office of the Minister for Children.
