James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is World Autism Awareness Week. Recent research has shown a huge increase in the incidence of people on the spectrum of autism and Asperger's syndrome. We are one of the few countries that does not have a national strategy for those with autism and Asperger's syndrome. This research, which shows an incidence of one in 70, is a powerful argument for having a look at this and putting in place a strategy. I know it was under consideration previously and that the Department of Health was against it. I would ask the Minister to re-examine this. I would like the Leader to bring the Minister to the House to discuss the need for a national strategy in respect of this issue. I believe it is more prevalent than many of the conditions for which we do have strategies.It would send a powerful message to many of those who have this condition and to their families who strive valiantly, day in and day out, to support them and help them. This is a group of people who, with the right support in the early years, can lead hugely productive lives and make a serious contribution to society. Many of the great scientific breakthroughs were made by people who, when one examines their history, were at least on the spectrum, if they did not have Asperger's syndrome or were not autistic. From a natural justice and societal point of view, we need to put in place a strategy to deal with this prevalent condition because as many as one in 70 of our citizens have the condition. I ask the Leader to request the Minister to attend here to discuss the matter.