Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to thank my colleagues, Deputies Funchion and Ó Caoláin, for bringing forward this very important motion. It is appropriate for it to be discussed in the House on World Autism Awareness Day. It raises an issue that has come to the fore in recent years. The reality is that we are behind the curve in Europe on this issue. Many states have an autism strategy in place. Such a strategy is needed in Ireland.

A study by the NCSE estimates that one in every 65 students has a diagnosis of autism. This condition affects a very large number of children. Although I accept that there has been an increase in autism spectrum condition, ASC, places and supports, it is simply nowhere near the level required.

In recent months, I have been contacted by dozens of parents who are upset and worried that their child who has autism cannot get a place in the local school. Children are waiting very long periods to be assessed and in the meantime are not getting the supports and access to therapies that they need. There are many young and growing communities in Dublin Bay North and finding a place in a local school is tough at the best of times. However, finding a place in a local school for a child with autism is next to impossible in some areas. That is wrong and unfair. It is a failure by the State to meet the needs of its citizens that we cannot ensure that children with autism get the supports they need in their local school. The State has an obligation to ensure that every child meets his or her full potential. To do that, appropriate supports must be in place. No child should be left behind simply because he or she has additional needs. I commend the motion. I hope to see the establishment of an all-party committee which will finally deliver an autism empowerment strategy for Ireland.

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