Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael)
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The third item on the agenda is the continuation of our consideration of autism policy and we will have two sessions. Session A will be with parents' representatives and session B will be with academics. I welcome our witnesses to the first session today. We are joined by Ms Noeleen Smith and Ms Trina Boylan from Cavan Autism Parents Support, CAPS; Ms Aisling Byrne of Dedicated Children's Advocacy, DCA, Warriors; and Ms Miriam Kenny and Mr. Alan Power of Involve Autism Dublin 6. This is the second public meeting at which the committee has the opportunity to meet with parents' advocacy groups to discuss autism policy, and I am looking forward to continuing that discussion with today's witnesses. The provision of autism services and supports is a subject that is often raised with this committee. However, it is of special importance that this forum be used to give a platform to parents who advocate tirelessly and have done so for a number of years on behalf of autistic children. In our last public meeting, we heard about the provision of assessments, supports and therapies from representatives of the HSE. The committee is pleased to hear directly from today's witnesses, who represent those who need to access services and supports provided by the State for autistic people, or anything else that they may feel is relevant. Before we hear from our witnesses I propose that we publish their opening statements on our committee's website. Is that agreed? Agreed.

I call Ms Noeleen Smith and Ms Trina Boylan from CAPS to make their opening statement.