Mark Wall (Labour)
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I thank Mr. Harris for coming in. It is important to start with some statistics. This is our 48th meeting and our 19th public session, which shows the importance of what we are discussing today. To reference the AsIAm report for more, 86% of autistic people feel that they do not get the same chance, and 57% of the public recognise that autistic people are treated in a different way. That is what we have found in all of our public meetings. Everyone who has come in and advocated on behalf of autistic people in this country have been very loud and clear on what their demands are. As the Cathaoirleach said, Mr. Harris was in with us on 17 May last year. He has been very clear on his demands. I thank him for his advocacy for autistic people in Ireland. I have a few questions. The Cathaoirleach has outlined that the issues we are looking at with the summer programme. One of the issues I have discussed with the Cathaoirleach, that was mentioned at a meeting last Thursday, is the idea of trying to implement a plan ensure that there is a summer programme in every large town in this country. That needs a bit of impetus from the Department. I know that the Cathaoirleach has pushed on that, and he pushed on it again last week. We cannot have large towns where there is no summer programme provision. I ask Mr. Harris to comment on that and where it is going.

I listened to my local radio station, Kfm, on the way in today, and heard Mr. Harris mention Clane, which is looking to promote an autism-friendly town. We have mentioned that before. I think that should happen everywhere. The Cathaoirleach has outlined what is happening here in the Oireachtas in Leinster House, which is brilliant, but we need to push that and keep pushing it. I know that AsIAm is at the forefront of that work. I must mention what is being done in Clane and towns like Clonakilty that we have mentioned before.

The huge issue that still comes up is the assessment of need. What is AsIAm's position in relation to the importance of an assessment of need? I deal daily - as am sure colleagues here do - with parents who come into the office saying that they are being asked for an assessment of need. Every time we talk to the HSE, they say that it is not that important for clinicians, but it may be important for education. Where does AsIAm stand in relation to the importance of an assessment of need? Is more impetus needed to go to the private sector to ensure that those that most need them - and there is such a backlog at the moment - actually get them? The number one issue that I deal with in the office and in my dealings with people is the inability to get assessments of need, and the current waiting list.

Lastly, I want to raise the issue of adult diagnosis, which is something new, as Deputy Tully said. The last year has been a learning curve for me in relation to autistic people and their needs. One of the big issues that has come out of our discussions is the needs of autistic adults. We all hear about children's needs, which are so important, but there seem to be so many adults who also have particular needs. How does AsIAm deal with that particular cohort of people?