Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One thing that is coming to the fore at this committee, and definitely at this meeting, is the need to educate society across the board and across all professions. I see it myself as the father of a young autistic son. There are occasions where somebody might not be invited to a birthday party. A lot of that is because of a lack of knowledge of autism. There needs to be more education throughout society in general. I wrote down the word "alarming" when I was reading Dr. Doherty's report because of the statistics and figures she gave. I knew of a lot of the issues with regard to high levels of suicide but I was not aware of the other points. They are alarming. It just goes to show that if we can get early intervention, not just with young kids but with adults, it would reduce a lot of the issues in our health system. Mental health services in particular have been mentioned and the prevalence of the use and need for mental health services because of a lack of diagnosis of adults. We need to put in place a funding mechanism or programme with regard to that and get intervention for adults. That will ultimately reduce the need for mental health services.

Third level education was mentioned. I do not think there is enough funding in third level. Funding has been put in place for certain programmes and I know from speaking to the universities that there is a need for more funding to give support to students but also to replicate certain models. Trinity College Dublin was mentioned. It has a model of working with companies, giving employment opportunities and supporting students in those employment opportunities. That is important as well. It is not just about getting the job. That support is needed for 12 or 18 months afterwards to make sure students settle into the employment but also to make sure the employer is comfortable and has more knowledge about having a young autistic employee.

On 1 March, disability services moved from the Department of Health to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. I presume the witnesses see that transition as positive.

I fully agree about the review of the disability Act. That is something that has come to the fore at every meeting we have had, from every organisation and group and from advocates. It makes sense that it be done in tandem with a review of the EPSEN Act, which is being reviewed at present.

I have a question for the NDA about special classes and whether we should have special classes in schools. We have special schools. I ask the witnesses to speak a bit more on that. My own personal view is that we need special classes within schools to allow for those educational opportunities. Kids could move into the mainstream classrooms and when they need to go back to their safe setting and safe zone within their own special class that would be in place. Dr. Tamming referred to the expansion in the number of special classes. Is she saying there are too many special classes being opened up? I do not think so. I think there is room for a special class to be associated with every school with a certain number of pupils to allow them to transition in and out of the mainstream setting, where fit, and then step back into the safer confines of the special class. I ask the witnesses to expand a little on that.

With regard to the UK, Dr. Doherty mentioned that we have a unique opportunity now to implement changes here. Maybe the witnesses could also expand a little on that.