Mr. Adam Harris:

We join with the Deputy in condemning the HSE's failure to deliver in this regard. The non-delivery of any meaningful support from the HSE in progressing disabilities via the CDNTs has been a problem for our families for a long time. In terms of our engagement with the Department, it is not citing that as the sole reason. There is a sense that this model was also of its time, which is a concern for us. To see the words "complex needs" removed from the model at a time in which there has never been a higher level of complex educational needs identified in our schools, is very worrying. While I recognise that the HSE's role has been the trigger, I am concerned that it is not the only philosophy that has brought us to this point.

On the question of where we go from here, the predictors of literacy and numeracy being used will really only scratch the surface of the needs for autistic people. Colleagues here have said the same about other communities. If that is the only metric of what our complex educational needs are within education, I would be very concerned. We also need to recognise the gap between the HSE and the Department of Education. A review of the EPSEN Act is ongoing. I welcome that. Ultimately, we need to see a review of the Disability Act 2005 as well. These are sister pieces of legislation. If we want to overcome some of the challenges around the HSE's part in this, the review of the Disability Act 2005 will be critical. At this stage, it is probably safe to say that it will take place in the next Oireachtas.