Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

It is interesting because we briefly had a discussion around autism in the context of the AON. I said the HSE was imminently introducing a new autism protocol to ensure faster access to autism diagnoses. This is because we have found that, of the last nine months of completed assessments, 45% of them were actually autism diagnoses. People have been going through the very long protracted assessment process when in fact, as the Deputy pointed out, it might initially be indicated it is autism. The new autism protocol will help to support this area and provide a better avenue for people who want to pursue that approach.

Broadly in terms of the AON, we made reference to the fact that 30% of people who went through the process were told they did not have a disability but did have a need. Faster access to therapies is what is required. Equally, we will be bringing a memo to the Cabinet, including the draft heads of a Bill, in terms of a reworking of the AON process as it is. It will retain the right to access an AON and the six months, but it will have an emphasis on faster and more efficient access to therapies.