James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I compliment Deputy Brian Hayes on tabling this motion and on his efforts in bringing this Government to account for the dreadful way it is treating the weakest members of our society, particularly children with autism. The last time we debated this issue I expressed my concerns on what is happening in the midlands and today we debate the tragedy of what is happening between several Departments and the courts where parents, who give so much of their time to improving the lot of their children, have to go to court to fight for their children's rights. Despite what has happened it is important we keep the pressure on the Government to improve services for those with autism. Everyone on this side of the House feels this arrogant Government has let down the nation on services and facilities to help families who have a child suffering from autism. It is important the Ministers for Education and Science and Health and Children put proper facilities in place. It is unfortunate that parents have to take cases to court, protest outside this House and lose their homes to keep simple respite services and demand the help they need.

Several reports have been published containing many recommendations, but few of these recommendations that would improve provisions for children with autism and their parents have been implemented. Under the Minister's watch there have been great weaknesses in the delivery of special education services. There are limited ABA centres throughout the country and it is the Minister's policy to restrict the funding available for these centres despite demands for this type of tuition. Parents are frustrated continually by the service delays in assessment of autistic children, which further restrict such children from progressing. There are significant waiting lists for occupational, speech and language therapy and there is little co-ordination between the Minister's Department and the Department of Health and Children in providing such services.

It is evident from recent statements from the Minister, Deputy Hanafin, and the Taoiseach that neither has a full understanding of the debate. Their attitudes, inaccuracies and mistakes are outrageous. If such ignorance of the issue is displayed by them it raises the suspicion that most Members of this woefully corrupt dictatorship are equally misinformed, including the withering Greens. Parents must be provided with suitable services and choices for their children.

We regret the manner in which the Minister, Deputy Hanafin, has bullied parents and children with autism. There is no system of appeal for parents other than seeking their children's rights to educational services through the courts, as the recent case proved. The Minister prefers dragging parents through the courts to providing the necessary services. It is interesting to note that the author of a Government task force report on autism described the Government's policy on autism as grossly misguided and out of touch with reality. This is a dreadful indictment of this Government.

I plead with the Government at this late stage to abandon the dreadful cold heart of stone of the Minister, Deputy Hanafin, and show some solidarity with parents and children with autism. Nothing is permanent but change and I urge the Minister to show respect and a thought for children with autism by supporting the Fine Gael motion so that we might all begin to improve the lives of all children suffering from autism.

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