Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I support this legislation and I commend the Regional Group on bringing it forward. It is important that we see the development and implementation of a cross-departmental and multi-agency autism spectrum disorder strategy. I support this motion in its entirety, but perhaps some of the language used may be outdated. It may not reflect where we are now in respect of understanding autism and not speak to the rights-based agenda contained in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNCRPD. Therefore, if the Bill passes this Stage, which I hope it will, I will be introducing some amendments to reflect that aspect on the next Stage.

In April 2019, Deputy Funchion moved a motion on behalf of Sinn Féin calling for an autism empowerment strategy and the establishment of an Oireachtas committee on autism. The motion received widespread cross-party support and a commitment was given to deliver an autism empowerment strategy for Ireland. The issues affecting autistic children and adults are long-standing and families, children and adults have been battling for years for their basic rights and entitlements. Children with autism have faced lengthy waiting times for assessments and longer waiting times for interventions. In addition, they often struggle to locate an appropriate school place and some children have even found themselves excluded from school entirely. Adults with autism face huge gaps in the provision of crucial services, particularly regarding finding work and living independently. This is unacceptable and must change.

An autism strategy which is cross-departmental and multi-agency is much needed and I am happy to support this legislation. There is, however, also a need to consult with the relevant disabled persons organisations, DPOs, autistic people and their families on any move forward on this issue. I still want to see the establishment of an all-party Oireachtas committee on autism and a shortened timeframe for the publication of a strategy. A multi-disciplinary task force, consisting of autistic individuals and-or their family members, must be established to oversee the roll-out of the strategy and to monitor legislative oversight.

A review of the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, policy on the provision of autism classes at primary and post-primary level is needed. Consultation must also be undertaken with disability groups and educational stakeholders on the full implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004. It has not been fully rolled out. There must also be an urgent review of the supports available to adults throughout their lives and an all-island approach should form part of the development of any strategy. I reiterate that I am supporting this Bill, and that I am happy to do so.

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