Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I share the Deputy's concerns about services for children with autism. This morning, I met with Irish Autism Action and many of the same points were made to me. I gave a commitment that I would go back to the HSE and the various Ministers within the sector to deal with the issue. I have an open mind on it. I accept what was said by the Deputy. I do not say this lightly, because I know the facts about the situation in Waterford. There was an excellent team there of one speech and language therapist, one occupational therapist, one liaison worker and three psychologists but there was a problem within the system due to a number of circumstances, including HR issues such as extended leave and maternity leave, and the service was unable to function at full capacity for several years. That resulted in a reduction in the service's ability to provide one-to-one intervention and to carry out ASD assessment and diagnosis. Instead, the remaining therapists provided training and support workshops for parents. I accept there is an internal HR problem that must be addressed.

I share Deputy Butler's concerns about the overall issue. There must be investment. The reality is that services for children with disabilities, and autism in particular, have suffered in recent years. What we are attempting to do is to reinvest and build up the services. However, the services must suit the child and be available, strong and functional.

On the broader issue, I want to focus on ability and not disability. I want to reduce the stigma around autism. I want to include everybody and ensure that children and young people with autism are not discriminated against. We can all then make a difference. We need to invest in the services and that investment has started. I guarantee the Deputy that, in respect of the Estimates, we are going to be working on it over the summer, starting this morning. Autism is a very high priority on my list.

See this speech in context