Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 23 May 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism

Autism Policy: Discussion (Resumed)

Photo of Micheál CarrigyMicheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome everybody back to the second part of our public meeting today. In particular I welcome the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley. I also welcome from the Department of education, Ms Martina Mannion, Mr. Frank Hanlon, Mr. Martin McLoughlin and Ms Jill Fannin.

The remit of the committee is to consider matters relating to services and supports provided by the State to autistic people. Autism is a lifelong condition. The educational system can help autistic people to go on to lead full lives in Irish society. Today we will further consider the opportunities the educational system provides to autistic people. The committee has published a report on the summer programme 2023 and is running a survey of special schools to gauge their interest in taking part in the programme in 2023. We would like to discuss this further today. The committee is also interested in discussing various issues affecting education for those on the autism spectrum. I have a list here, but I know they will come up in the conversation.

I ask the Minister to make her opening statement.

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