Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not a member of this committee but I thank the Chair for allowing me to participate. I know of the work of Dr. Crawford and more particularly I know what Ms McSherry does on the ground in Limerick.

I want to bring it back to what I do as a Deputy in Limerick city. We deal with a lot of children with autism. What should be happening? I know the witnesses are going back to the autism task force report from 2001. We hear a lot that early diagnosis of autism is important for getting into the services and so forth. If there were three things the witnesses would like to see being implemented now that can be done under existing legislation, what would they be? I am looking at it from the perspective that we have parents coming to us to get a diagnosis, which is important. Dr. Crawford has made reference to children in the autism units in schools. Those are coming on stream but they were not on stream for a long period.

I mention educating across the spectrum in terms of education and the educators. I know this is a hard question. The Chairman has referenced it and many here will be aware that the St. Joseph's Foundation has a horse riding residential establishment and horses have an enormous impact, as do dogs and animals in general, on people with autism. What would the witnesses like to see happening, including around the skill sets people with autism have? I know I am asking a direct question but what are the three things the witnesses would like to see being implemented now? I will start with Ms McSherry and then I will go to Dr. Crawford.