Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Ardagh. Mr. Harris is an excellent advocate for people and families with autism. I want this on the record because it is important that wider society has a better understanding of what autism actually is. That this committee has been set up has brought it a little bit more into the public domain. There is more discussion about it in the media and around special education, special schools and so on.

It is important that this committee was set up. Like all members, I am hopeful that the proposals we make as a committee will feed into a strategy that will make a lot of positive changes to the lives and families of people with autism.

Mr. Harris has set us a challenge. Deputy O'Sullivan mentioned that the conference took place in 2005. Mr. Harris has asked the Government and the committee where Ireland will be in 2025. Many European countries are far ahead of us. The question is whether we are climbing the ladder and will overtake them. That is what we need to do. Mr. Harris and I have spoken at length about the model followed in Malta. Although it is a small Mediterranean country, it is many years ahead of us with its empowerment Act to make sure whole-of-life supports are available for people.

Through the clerk, we have made contact with the Ceann Comhairle and the Cathaoirleach with regard to making Leinster House and its grounds autism-friendly. I would like to see that in place for September when families come in here. It is important that we set out our stall about what we are going to do. Perhaps the approach could be rolled out to every single local authority and every public building across the country. That is the challenge we need to set for all local authorities across Ireland, the OPW and all public buildings. We need buildings to be autism-friendly.

Mr. Harris has commented on the summer provision. The issue has been highlighted at our meetings in recent weeks. I agree with Senator Wall's point about schools being clustered together so that at least one school in a geographic area or town is providing the service. As a committee, we must be strong on the point that it is not acceptable for a special school not to have summer provision. We must expand the range of staff eligible to work in the summer provision to include those working in the ECCE system to make sure we have enough staff. We do not want to see advertisements for staff who do not have the necessary qualifications. I know of one school that already has its 2023 yearly plan but does not intend to include summer provision. That is not acceptable. A clear signal must go out that every single school should provide it in summer 2023.

The figures on employment are very stark. Some 80% to 85% are underemployed or unemployed. That is the reason I think it is important to break down the barriers and change policy regarding employment. If more people had a better understanding of autism, it would be a help. When people do not understand, there can be a fear attached to employing a person with autism. In many respects, they are more than able for jobs. It is more a question of wider society knowing about and understanding autism. That will be a help.

I have spoken to local authorities on this issue. In Waterford, there are hidden disability car parking spaces. Every local authority should take this excellent idea on board. Such parking spaces should also be provided in car parks attached to public buildings.