Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. The 2019 research by NUI Galway was carried out by Áine Roddy and Ciaran O'Neill. That research showed that the annual average cost per child for families amounted to €28,464.69 and was related to private autism services, lost income and informal care. By comparison, the annual State expenditure per child with autism in terms of related health, social and education resources was €14,192. That means families were out of pocket to the tune of €9,489.60.

The key findings have shown there is a significant economic burden associated with autism among children and adolescents in Ireland and that a considerable proportion of this is being borne directly by parents rather than by the State. This is also being reflected in the costs faced by other parents of children with disabilities. That is why I believe we need to look at this again in light of this research.

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