Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the two previous speakers. I welcome the petition from Ms Clarke and Mr. Dunphy. We must realise that providing an autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, unit in all primary and secondary schools in every county in Ireland presents a challenge, and is particularly challenging in my own county, Roscommon.

The incidence of autism is particularly high in County Roscommon, but we have not found the reason for it.

May I suggest that we invite Autism Ireland to appear before the committee to update ourselves on the situation? I agree with Senator Buttimer that we retain a focus on this issue. There is a great deal of good work being done by schools, by the Department, by parents groups and by the advocacy groups, but it would be a good idea if the Chairman and the secretariat were to organise a discussion with Autism Ireland in the autumn.