Marie Moloney (Labour)

I thank the Minister for her reply. It is welcome news that she is willing to extend the timeframe for the return of the review form by up to 60 days. I know from working with people that it takes quite a while to get a letter from a consultant. If one contacts a consultant's secretary it can take that length of time to get the required letter.

Under the appeals process, can people go for a physical medical examination and meet the medical referee, as applies in the case of disability appeals in the Department? I am not aware of anyone who was granted such a medical. It would do no harm for the medical assessors to meet the child and his or her parents and listen to what they have to say because sometimes what is noted on paper does not give a true reading of what is happening.

I reiterate that children with autism are being severely hit in this respect. I hope that the medical assessors in the Minister's Department will take on board how difficult it is for parents to cope with a child with autism, regardless of how mild or severe it is. I hope the Minister will revert to the medical assessors on the points we have raised on this issue.