Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

I accept that the Minister of State simply made a mistake.

The problem here is not the quality or commitment of Emma's carers. In fact, her mother, who is in the Gallery today, has expressed her appreciation for what the staff have tried to do. The problem is that Emma is not being cared for in the appropriate location, having been dealt with more as a patient with mental health or intellectual disability issues rather than specifically autism issues.

I appeal to the Minister of State to talk to the HSE, even to get the 12-week residential assessment in a particular location that has been pinpointed by her specialist. That would be a good beginning.

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