Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

At present, there are huge waiting lists for basic but essential services, including occupational therapy, speech and language supports and psychology, in County Tipperary. In addition, there is no full-time family resource service for families in the county. This was highlighted recently by 11-year-old Cara Darmody of Ardfinnan National School, to whom I want to give special mention today. Cara, a fifth class student, has decided to do her junior certificate maths examination this year in an effort to raise funds. She is a passionate advocate for autism awareness and a big supporter of her two younger brothers, John and Neil, who have autism and are non-verbal. Cara is sitting the maths paper in June in an effort to raise funds for autism services at the autism spectrum disorder, ASD, unit in Ardfinnan National School and at Scoil Chormaic Special School in Cashel. I ask the Taoiseach, please, to act to address this issue. The situation is so hard on families and children. It is desperate. The waiting lists are not improving and the delays and lack of services are simply appalling.

See this speech in context