Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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I thank the witnesses for being here. Dr. McDonagh words were powerful. We often forget that people who are autistic can also come from ethnic minority groups. We also often forget the person when we talk about autistic people and equal access. We have heard concerns about CAMHS lately. I have received numerous emails in the two and a half years that I have been a Member of the Oireachtas about children being denied access to mental health services because they are autistic. In my opinion, that is systemic discrimination towards people who are autistic. Would one not think that we would have moved past that in 2023? Following on from what Dr. McDonagh said, it is difficult for people who get a late diagnosis or who are from an ethnic minority group. I know many members of the Traveller community who, under the care of a guardian 20 or 30 years ago, never got follow-up appointments with GPs or services to be able to deal with being autistic as an adult. Sometimes there is overlap, and it can be difficult. I have a relative who I assume needs to be assessed and looked after. He fell through the cracks and, as an adult in his 50s, he struggles. I do not know where I can go to get him the supports and diagnosis that he needs. There are waiting lists and costs to be able to do that. That is my point on mental health services. Would any witness like to comment on that? Do the witnesses believe it is discrimination? How can we deal with it?

This committee has just tipped the iceberg when it comes to issues that impact on people who are autistic and their families. What would the witnesses like to see continuing so that the voices of autistic people are at the heart of legislation and policy that is made for them? We say nothing about us without us. With no fault to anyone in this room, even in this committee, we have not heard enough voices from people who are autistic in the room. What are the witnesses' thoughts on that? I support the review of the Disability Act. As a member of the Joint Committee on Disability Matters, I know that we have good legislation and means for people who are autistic. Most importantly, how do we implement some of the good policies? I know Labour has a good Bill. How do we get that to the next stage and introduce meaningful change for autistic people?