Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming into the committee. Being different does not mean that one is worth less to the world. It is important to recognise that everyone is different, is of equal value to the world, and deserves equality of opportunity to be successful in our own right. I was at a graduation at Ballyfermot College of Further Education a few weeks ago. To some of the students, there is no right or wrong way to be intelligent. To be able to break through the glass ceiling as Fiacre did is incredible. Being the first to do something is not easy. I admire Fiacre for coming to the committee today to try to change the situation for young people.

We see that the RPM can work. I would totally be in agreement with the pilot programme. I am blue in the face from seeing pilot programmes. We can see that they work but there is a question of how to implement them to get better outcomes for people. It is about young people being able to reach their full potential. There are many different students with special educational needs in our education system. Our system is for one set of students. We have to change that by implementing the pilot programmes. The Department needs to tune into this committee and listen to the people who came in front of us to be able to implement what works. Sometimes it is not about recreating the wheel but implementing what is already there.

There is cross-party support with regard to assessment in this committee. We have already made some changes after listening to people's voices. The witnesses coming in today to tell their story will be part of changing the future for young people who are autistic. I thank the witnesses for that. If there is anything else they would like to share with the committee, they should please feel free to do so.