Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming before the committee today. It is interesting to speak about universal design around access for people who are autistic. Much of the time we just think about the bricks, the mortar and the buildings, but one of my friends, Michael O'Flanagan, always says it is much more than just bricks and mortar. That is important to remember when we speak about universal design.

Ms Tonge spoke about the costs. It can cost, for example, €500 to be diagnosed. That is the case for people with dyslexia and other issues. There is a cost to getting a diagnosis. Are there any measures we could put in place for people in universities to get psychological tests so we can meet them where they are at? Not everyone has that €500. I remember when I myself got an assessment in Maynooth, I paid €500 to be told I was not as thick as my school made me out to be and I was a little more clever. Still, it is important that we do not shy away from that as individuals. We need to have that access to get those assessments done and that should be supported by the college.

I also wonder if it would be in any way beneficial for the committee to go and visit Naas General Hospital. At the end of April, we will have to finish up the work of the committee. Does Ms Tonge think we would get any further answers from being on site and from seeing how it plays out in real life? We are talking about adults and I understand that.

When we speak about universal design, we should include our homes, houses, the building of houses and parks. Something that has come to my attention over the past two weeks - and I am really trying to tackle this issue - is that parks should meet the needs of children who are autistic, as well as people with disabilities and young children. These children will grow up to be adults. I was dealing with one local authority because I was looking for a park for children who are autistic and children who have other additional needs as well. I was told that there is a park in the electoral area that is 13 miles away. In 2023, we are speaking about the topic of universal designs and access for people who are autistic, and we have to have a combined approach on the issue.

Hopefully, by the end of April, Leinster House will be of a universal design. However, we need people who are autistic to be in here. It is great to have the designs, but we need participation and equality of opportunity. The work the witnesses have done and that they are involved in will be life-changing going forward. It needs to be there, but how do we roll it out even more widely? We see that this works. Much of the time, we are great at reinventing the wheel when the wheel is already there. How do we extend it? I am not foolish enough not to know that this is also a matter of budgets, money and everything else that goes with it. However, if we look at human rights and equality for people with disabilities, in my opinion, we are really failing people, both children and adults who go on to third-level education. Some people feel that it is not for them because of the costs. Deputy Flaherty discussed the grants. There is a cost to having a disability, to having additional needs and to trying to get an education when you have them. That is something we have to look at more widely as a committee. I understand that many of these inequalities that exist in universities also exist for many people in many other sectors of society; however, our priority in this committee is people who are autistic. It is important to address this.

It is important that we get to compile a report at the end of this committee's deliberations. I would love to include the opinions and recommendations of the witnesses in the report.