Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)

One third of children are coming in to seek a diagnosis of autism where there is no other alternative publicly. One third of the time taken by CDNTs relates to assessments of need rather than the delivery of therapy. I am focused on therapy. To me, that must be the priority. It is where interventions happen. Assessments of need are important and required by law, but my worry is about how we will reach the point where we are delivering treatments and therapies.

On the pathway for those who suspect they are on the autism spectrum, the real worry is that, unless they get an assessment, there appears to be no pathway within the public healthcare system whereby they can get a professional assessment. The Minister said that for, school and many other services, one does not need an assessment of need. However, one also cannot access a public professional assessment. Am I wrong in that?