James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their comments and their support. I will answer the question on amendment No. 1 and the term “team of medical professionals comprising” being changed to “cross-functional team of medical professionals comprising for example”. There are extra words in there. The term "cross-functional" would be much more inclusive of many other people who might have a role to play. "For example" makes sure that it is not exclusive. That was purposely done under legal advice to make sure those concerned would have available to them the full number of professionals and paraprofessionals required to input into the his or her care and pathway of care for the future. There is no intention at all to dilute that down.

It is important to re-emphasise what the Minister has just said. This is about putting into law a Bill that would demand an implementation plan for a national strategy. It is not going to design the strategy itself. That would be pre-emptive. We want people and all stakeholders to come together and have a say in this, especially families and those with autism who are able to speak for themselves, although we know that some are not able to. I thank Senator Devine for her support and I reassure her that this amendment is to improve the Bill and to improve the latitude available within the national implementation strategy rather than to curtail it in any way or to dilute it.