Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I hope the Minister really gets this issue. The intervention to deal with this will have to be radical because it is a sick joke that children have to wait 28 months for an assessment for autism while they go from aged two to aged almost five. It cannot be tolerated.

There is much talk about the confidence and supply agreement and the Taoiseach says he wants to extend the agreement and enter negotiations. One part of the agreement calls for improved services and increased supports for people with disabilities, particularly for early assessment and intervention for children with special needs. Given that this has not happened, before the Taoiseach comes knocking, looking for more time and an extension of the agreement, he needs to deliver. This is one issue on which we will not accept failure. It must be delivered.

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