Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Will the Minister of State confirm that what was in the speech of the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, is Government policy. He did not get to read the part where it states, "it is not proposed to pursue legislation or an Oireachtas committee on autism". He said the Government would not oppose the motion, but that line would suggest the Government will not support it.

It was my understanding, from listening to all Members tonight, that all Opposition parties will support this motion because it is long overdue. We are far behind most European countries in terms of having a clear strategy for people living with autism and we continue to have long waiting lists for assessment and access to therapies. We still have a significant shortage of ASD places in schools and there are problems with transport. Every September, I see parents who are beside themselves with worry because of the lack of appropriate school transport for their children. A constituent of mine with several children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum condition has told me how she spends ridiculous amounts of time chasing up various State bodies and Department to make sure her children's needs are looked after. There is no joined-up approach so if she does not do it, her children will not receive the treatment, care and services they need. One of her children was told last September that there was no school transport place for her and that it would take six weeks to organise it despite her having applied the previous April. Is this supposed to be acceptable? Is a parent supposed to take time off each morning and afternoon for six weeks or is the child supposed to stay at home for six weeks? Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. There are many other cases I could mention.

The State needs to recognise and support the needs of people by setting up an all-party committee to deliver an autism empowerment strategy for Ireland. I, and, I am sure, other Members, would appreciate it if the Minister of State would confirm whether it is Government policy not to do so.

See this speech in context