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

I am conscious that we all need to become more aware and have an understanding of disability in general but invisible disabilities in particular. I am talking mainly about autistic people. Autistic people gave evidence at a recent disability committee meeting about their experience with the Courts Service. They felt there were absolutely no supports in place for them and they find it very difficult to fit into that system. Dealing with the legal aspect, if they have to apply for free legal aid, that is a very complicated process involving a lot of information and can be very overwhelming. They just lack the skills and require assistance. Many people who are autistic also have attention-deficit disorder. With all the evidence and everything that is happening, it can be very overwhelming; there are many things going on at once.

Even to enter a courtroom, they need familiarisation beforehand. I do not think that process is happening but I hope it can be done if people make the Courts Service aware that they are autistic. Having an advocate there can help them. The anxiety that can build as they wait for their case to come up can be quite overwhelming.

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