Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I apologise to the witnesses for the delay in getting here but I was listening in from the office. I thank them very much for their contributions. Addressing Dr. Doherty first, I am sorry to hear she is unwell at the moment.

An issue that is often raised with me is that people are becoming more aware of autism and are coming to the realisation that children in their family may have it, much like Dr. Doherty did with her own diagnosis. I have autism and the consequence is that there is no pathway, as Dr. Doherty rightly pointed out. Unless people can afford to get a private assessment - this links in exactly with what Dr. Doherty said - they can experience depression and mental health issues.

One of the biggest issues I am finding is in the early years sector. Is there any movement within GP practice to address this because GPs are dealing with it a lot?