Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I wish to use the time allocated to me to raise concerns relating to autism and the housing crisis. Those concerns arise from a case in Cork city with which I am dealing. It involves a woman who has been living in emergency accommodation for about a year. She has been offered alternative accommodation in the form of a one-bedroom apartment. She self-identifies as autistic, however, and states that the alternative accommodation being offered is totally unsuited to her needs as it is sited on a road that is noisy, particularly at rush hour. High levels of noise are a significant issue for autistic people with hyperacusis. As I live near the road in question, I can testify that it is a far from quiet area.

The emergency accommodation provider in question has told the woman that she must quit the premises by next Monday. This decision is in writing and comes into effect after an appeals process. In effect, the woman now faces a choice between accepting a property that she believes is totally unsuitable for her needs and being made homeless. I stated that she self-identifies as autistic. Like many other people in this country who would like to get a diagnosis, she went to the HSE. The process moves at a snail's pace, however, and she has not been able to afford to go private and pay a four-figure sum. Her general practitioner, GP, has put in writing that she is autistic. I have met her and believe her claim is credible. She clearly and sincerely believes it to be the case. As far as the system is concerned, however, she has no diagnosis and, therefore, is not autistic and can be offered a choice between homelessness and accommodation that is totally inappropriate to her needs.

Emergency accommodation providers are under significant pressure as a result of increased homelessness, notices to quit, increasing domestic violence and our rightful obligation to accommodate refugees. What we need is more funding, places and, crucially, alternative housing options. I am concerned that the pressures on the system are now causing real injustices and I suspect this case is one of them. The woman has been asked to quit by Monday. I will be raising her case in every way I can in the days ahead.

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