Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I have asked the Leader on a number of occasions to facilitate a debate on the needs of people with intellectual disabilities in order that we can add our voices to ensuring they have the opportunities to avail of equal citizenship in our county. Senator Mullen brought the House's attention to the request of their representative groups to use the Chamber to facilitate a debate in which they would set out their dreams and aspirations for equal citizenship. Perhaps it is unorthodox to request the use of the Chamber but if we could facilitate them in any way, we would give enormous credibility and validity to the fact that they have something to contribute to society. Sometimes in our anxiety to do right by people with disabilities, we focus on what they cannot do as opposed to what they can do. We have an opportunity to provide a forum for people to advocate for themselves. Last summer, the Dáil Chamber was used to facilitate Dáil na nÓg. If people with intellectual disabilities were afforded a similar opportunity during recess, that would be worth more that our words in the Chamber.

There is much debate about what is best for people with autism. Autism is a broad spectrum of disorders and the focus needs to be maintained on ensuring early assessment. If a child aged 18 months or two years is noted by his or her parents to be struggling, he or she should be assessed immediately and diagnosed and, as a result, have access to the approach that best suits him or her. The ABA method will not suit everyone. It is unfair, following the establishment of a special task force by the Minister, which recommended the eclectic approach, to say she will not go with the ABA method because of money. A group of experts told her the eclectic approach is the way to go.