Eileen Flynn (Independent)
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It is great to have that clarity. There is, however, a lack of clarity about the collecting of data and information in the Bill. I understand Deputies have spoken to that issue. One of our suggestions would be that, in the census, we would have people name their disabilities, if you want. We need to look at the Disability Act 2005. We are speaking about that in another of the committees. We need action in that respect to look to reform and update the Disability Act. As it stands, it is not fit for purpose. I get exactly what people are saying when they say they do not want to segregate people with autism and put them out by themselves because that can come back to bite us. However, we need something in place to protect both people who have autism and their families. We must allow people who are autistic a fair chance to be successful within society through education in general, housing, etc. It is better to have something we can work from rather than absolutely nothing.

Others have spoken about the three-tier system in respect of disabilities that is in place now. That is something the committee must look at. Last week at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Disability Matters, I made the point that we have failed people with disabilities in this country for many years. That is not a matter of people's backgrounds, the colour of their skin, where they are from or their class. Obviously in some cases, if you are born into wealth, you have a better chance of being successful with a disability. It is a cost to have a disability. I would like to know who was spoken to about the Bill. I know it was introduced in 2017. It is welcome that the term "disorder" is being scrapped. That is positive. I support a Bill that will benefit people who are autistic. I do not have autism so I cannot speak on those people's behalf. Who did the sponsors of the Bill talk to? What organisations and people did they have dialogue with? As somebody said earlier, nothing about us without us. What groups were consulted in framing the Bill? I again thank the Rural Independent Group for putting autistic people and autism on the agenda. It is better that we have something but we need something fit for purpose. We cannot have a certain situation. Senator Clonan asked where we will get the staff and workers to be able to meet the requirements of this Bill and there were no answers to that. I know it is about getting the Bill over the line - I get that - but we cannot just have something over the line that will still fail people who are autistic. We must consider that.