Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I am glad colleagues have raised the issue of autism and have called for a debate in the House. I am very troubled by the comments of the former Leader of the House that there is a lingering animosity towards the full-blooded provision of applied behavioural analysis. It is depressing that at a time of prosperity, notwithstanding the blips we are talking about at present, hardly a day goes by but we have news of some section of our society that is being badly neglected, whether it is people with cystic fibrosis for whom necessary facilities are not available or the provision of applied behavioural analysis to those who need it. It would be shameful and an indictment of our society if there are bureaucratic or fiscal reasons people who need this important method of education are not in a position to avail of it.

On the subject of people with special needs in our society, the Cathaoirleach will have received a letter, as have my colleagues, from Inclusion Ireland and Special Olympics Ireland. This matter, which will go before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, concerns a request that there be a debate in the Seanad involving 60 people with intellectual disability on a motion affirming the right of every person with an intellectual disability to full and equal citizenship of Ireland. It is a request we should look on favourably and it could be an imaginative and influential event.

I note with regret that the other House refused to have such a debate within its precincts on the basis that it might set a precedent, notwithstanding that last November the young people's parliament met in the Dáil Chamber. We should set a positive precedent, although just because we set such a precedent which underscores our deep respect for the contribution of people with intellectual disabilities does not mean we will have every small organisation seeking to use this Chamber for debate.