Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

I thank Deputy McCarthy for raising this issue. As he noted correctly, this is an issue that is increasing and of which the Government must take account. Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that both affects approximately one in every 100 citizens in Europe and has an impact on their families and society at large. Policy in this area aims to enable people with complex disabilities, including those with autism, to live as independently as possible within the community. The Government is committed to providing specialist disability supports to enable each individual with a disability, including those with autism spectrum disorder, to achieve his or her full potential and maximise independence, including living as independently as possible.

The management and delivery of services related to autism is the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. It provides services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders from childhood to adulthood, either directly or indirectly, by both statutory and non-statutory service providers. Services are provided in a variety of community and residential settings in partnership with service users, their families, carers and a range of statutory, non-statutory, voluntary and community groups. It is worth noting that a number of Departments have responsibility for the provision of services to people with autism. The Department of Health is responsible for health-related aspects, while the Department of Education and Skills has responsibility for education aspects. Moreover, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs also has a role in respect of services for children. In recognition of the cross-departmental issues arising on autism, a principal officer now has been appointed in the Department of Health to promote a co-ordinated approach to the needs of children, adolescents and young people with complex disabilities, including autism.

The Health Service Executive published a national review of autism services in February 2011. The aforementioned review outlines the historical background, the current models that exist, the gaps in service provision and the need for a consistent and clear pathway for individuals to access services in the least restrictive way. The report highlights the imperative for a clear focus on the individual and his or her family in ensuring the needs of the individual remain at the centre of service provision. It is intended that future provision of services for children and adults with autism will be developed having regard to the Government's commitment to mainstreaming, that is, to enable people with a disability to have access to the same services as the general population, as well as receiving the appropriate support and intervention to address individual needs. No plans are under consideration at present in the Department of Health for the development of a national autism strategy or for the introduction of specific legislation on autism. The recommendations of the national review of autism services report will be implemented through the reconfiguration of existing service provision and having regard to the most efficient and effective use of resources available in the current economic climate. The Department of Health's forthcoming value for money and policy review of disability services will set the wider context for achieving a person centred disability service overall. I again thank the Deputy.

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