Shane Ross (Independent)

It is refreshing that the Leader of the House is prepared to take a different line to the that of the Government. Long may that last.

Having been flattered by that kiss of death, will the Leader arrange for a debate on autism which is being discussed this morning by the Joint Committee on Health and Children? This is a devastating problem for which Government funding is required and it is, therefore, difficult for the Administration to tackle. This problem is on the increase, it is causing untold grief for many families and it has not been adequately explored. As I listened to the committee's deliberations, it struck me that this issue should be dealt with by the House. It appears that every child with autism has a different condition.