Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I was delighted to speak some weeks ago on the Government motion to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. While the ratification of this convention is to be celebrated, there are a significant number of issues to be overcome in order that equality and inclusion for people with disabilities can be delivered. I commend my colleague, an Teachta Ó Caoláin, on bringing forward this motion.

Let us look at the facts. There are 643,131 people in this State who indicated in census 2016 that they have a disability. This represents an increase of 47,776. One in ten people below 45 years of age has a disability, rising to 20% by age 60, and the rate increases sharply above 70 years. I want to use my time to focus on the cases of Sean and Fionn. Wendy, the mother of Sean and Fionn, wrote to me to highlight the very real lack of support, the constant battling for basic services and the isolation that families with a loved one with autism experience daily. They have had to learn to live without respite because despite the growing population of Fingal, there are fewer than 15 respite places for a population of more than 100,000. Wendy has had to battle every step of the way to get support and services for her two boys. She spent six years fighting before Sean was diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD. When Wendy' son Fionn was born, she had to spend two years fighting for him to get a diagnosis of autism. State services should not be fighting with parents who are seeking a diagnosis for their children. When it comes to the provision of services, Wendy has to fight the same battle day in, day out.

Wendy is exhausted. She is worn out from battling. She spends every day caring for her sons and fighting for services for them. Parents should not have to exhaust themselves fighting for disability services which their children need. Services should be provided and families should have the right to these services. This is autism awareness week. Wendy told me that as a parent of two boys with autism she needs more than awareness. She needs understanding, acceptance, services and real help and support from the State.

Tonight, I echo Wendy's call. We must have real understanding and acceptance of autism, functioning services for people with autism and help for their families. The State must step up to the plate and ensure that children like Seán and Fionn are given the right to the services and supports they need.

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