Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend the motion to the House. I ask that all parties and Independents support the asks contained within it, which have the capacity to transform the lives of the autistic community in Ireland. It is heartening to see the Visitors Gallery so busy, with visitors from the autism community, advocacy groups and families in attendance. They are very welcome. Céad míle fáilte.

The provision of services and supports to persons with autism is not fit for purpose. The autism community in Ireland is way ahead of where the thinking of many politicians is at in demanding their rights to inclusion and requesting acceptance of the condition. We must all recognise that autistic people have unique skills and intellect that need to be embraced and allowed develop to their full potential and not marginalised as, all too sadly, has been the case for many years.

The motion is different from others that have preceded it, in that it is the first real attempt at looking at a future for the autistic community in Ireland from a more social approach rather than being medically or clinically led, as so often has been the case. Since last June, we have reached out to the Irish Society for Autism, South East Autism Action, DCA Warriors, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland and AsIAm. They are all represented here this evening and I thank them for their input and suggestions in putting the motion together. We also studied international strategies in Canada, Scotland and Malta when framing the approach. Last August, I organised a Sinn Féin delegation from North and South to visit the Middletown Centre for Autism in County Armagh. I acknowledge the fantastic work they have done since being established in 2007. I again record my thanks to all involved for their time and welcome.

All of these contributions and meetings have contributed to the initiative before the House but the hard work starts tomorrow. We have had motions passed previously, particularly in the area disability. Unfortunately, while the Government supported the passing of those motions, the asks contained in them remain undelivered. This cannot be the case in this instance. Two attempts I know of have been made to legislate for an autism Bill in the past. Both attempts failed and both of the Bills were criticised for being too medically focused. I understand there is support for the motion before us from the Government and Fianna Fáil. This support is very welcome but it must not, as I have said, end here. We ask for the establishment of an all-party committee to be set up and strictly mandated to develop an autism empowerment strategy within a six-month period.

Today Sinn Féin wrote to the Ceann Comhairle seeking his support for that endeavour and asking him to work to make it happen as early as possible.

I again refer to the representatives in the Visitors Gallery. They are the experts. They need to be part of this process as it develops. I hope that all of the groups they represent will be invited to present to the committee once it is established.

I cannot finish without referring to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Sinn Féin remains utterly frustrated by the slow rate of progress of the implementation of the rights contained within it. Similarly, we believe the optional protocol should be ratified without delay. The argument that all legislation must be brought up to speed before it is ratified does not stand up. In the past two weeks, I wrote to the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, regarding the holding of Report and Final Stages of the Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016 and in response I received only a bare acknowledgement.

I wish to again commend the autism community in Ireland. On World Autism Awareness Day 2019, they deserve the absolute commitment of all parties present to deliver on this motion. They have been waiting and marginalised for far too long. Let us recognise the unique skills of all persons with autism and their ability and potential to play a full and fulfilling role in our society. I commend the motion to the House.

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