Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the motion that has been brought forward. It is very important we have an overarching autism strategy that brings all the different services and supports under the one umbrella to ensure that children and adults get the supports they need. I know the Minister of State is very much aware of this, but I question how many times we have to bring forward motions, Bills and discussions before we see this kind of overarching strategy that we all agree needs to happen. My colleague, Deputy Funchion, brought forward the autism strategy, which had cross-party support but, unfortunately, we are here again today without it being pushed forward. Deputy Funchion also brought forward previously the need for a committee that ensures such a strategy is delivered upon and holds people to account to ensure they fulfil their responsibilities in this regard.

We have all heard of the distress of families who say that time and again their family members simply do not receive the support they need and deserve. I might speak to the Minister of State about one issue that has been raised with me recently by a particular constituent about a new children's disability network team that is supposed to be based in the Renmore area, who was told it would be in place by July this year. I contacted the HSE regarding it and I was told that, at this time, it was not possible to provide an estimated wait time and the children's disability network team would be in contact with the family in due course. This particular family has not heard from it since. This has been going on since July so they are very concerned. I have followed up with the HSE since then but there has been no further update. This particular child is waiting for these services since he or she was 11 years old and was referred for services in 2016. That is nearly half this child's lifetime that he or she has been waiting for support. It is important we make plans to provide services, but what people really need is follow-through and that these services are made accessible to those who need them.

See this speech in context