Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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It is critical that children with autism have supports in school. In rural locations like Ardara in County Donegal, there is little or no support for autistic children. Parents have resorted to setting up groups in these areas so that all special needs children can meet once a week. It is very tough to secure supports in rural communities. The people seated around this table are not to blame. I understand that in this job we talk a lot about funding, etc. As a public representative, however, I believe that there are two parts to this issue. One is being diagnosed and two is to meet the needs of each child. What is the solution for people in rural Ireland? Can the HSE delegation tell us what we can be done to better the lives of children in rural Ireland? Not only have these counties been forgotten about but, most importantly, rural children have been forgotten about as there are more services and access to services in cities.

I am going to throw a spanner in the works by saying that children from ethnic minority groups can be autistic or have additional needs. I did not see it or hear that aspect named in any of the sessions this morning. It is important that children on the margins of society are included and provided with equal access and have their cultural needs met. I know many Traveller children who are autistic and there are more of them now than in previous years, there have also been a large number of missed diagnoses and families did not know that there were supports. How do we support these families and children?

How does the HSE ensure that disabled persons' organisations are a priority in its work? These are groups that need to advocate for our children and parents as well. I knew about AsIAm, as an organisation, before I was ever a Senator. I am aware of its work on inclusion.

I have listened to other members. What solutions can the witnesses from the HSE, as professionals, suggest? I ask because we are not professionals. I know people who have autistic children and I know people from within my community who have autistic children or are autistic but I am not a professional. What solutions can we, as a committee, include in our recommendations? I ask because we, as members, get only one bite at the cherry because we only have this committee for a short period.