James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State. I am disappointed that his contribution lacked some sensitivity towards parents and other family members affected by autism. It would not take Einstein to work out that the money spent by the Government defending legal actions taken by parents seeking appropriate facilities and education for their autistic children would be better spent on providing these basic rights. However, it would apparently take someone more qualified than Einstein to persuade the Government that this is the case.

I remind Senator Glynn that, in the Midland Health Board region, 24 parents are taking actions in the High Court. Early childhood services and special education are essential for children with autism, otherwise their condition will deteriorate. That any Government could force parents to have recourse to legal action and then fight that action, despite funding shortages and cutbacks in all health board regions, is beyond belief.