Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for that answer and that news. The more general issue arises repeatedly in the House. We have seen a couple of important protests organised by Enough is Enough!. Parents are getting organised in respect of this issue. Does he accept that this is not just a local problem here and there and that there is a nationwide problem regarding an absence of all of the supports necessary for children on the autism spectrum? Does he also accept that the State is substantially failing these children?

I will give an example from Dublin 24. Responsibility for part of this problem lies with the Department of Health and concerns people waiting five years to get access to required therapy. There are also, however, hundreds of children who do not have any school place or, in most cases, do not have a school place in an appropriate school given their needs. A radically different approach is needed as opposed to dealing with this issue only if it emerges as enough of a problem. Substantial financial investment is needed.

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