James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his comments. I was particularly happy to hear him use the words “evolving need”. There is no doubt that this situation is dynamic and that, as time passes, real change will be needed. The implementation strategy should be capable of addressing it.

I argue that costs do not apply to the Bill but will apply to the national strategy when it is implemented. At that point, there will a need for costings and it will then become a money issue. My view is that the Bill, as drafted, is not a money Bill. We purposely did not include a commencement clause because, as the Minister rightly pointed out, the Bill could be delayed sine die.

This is a good day. I thank Members and the Minister for their support, as well as the Department for its help. Yesterday Mr. Brian MacCraith, president of Dublin City University, told me how DCU intended in the forthcoming weeks to introduce an ASD-friendly campus, which I welcome as it is a further testament to the forward-looking attitude of the university. The Bill, when implemented and the strategy put in place, will give over 60,000 families greater certainty about the provision of autism supports. One in 68 children is on the autistic spectrum, meaning that over 60,000 families struggle every day to receive greater support for a loved one who has the condition. As a parent, I know the horrors of this and the uncertainty and worry that, with each passing day, one is losing ground and that one’s child will not be given the opportunity he - it mainly affects males - or she may need. Adults who are affected more profoundly, as well as those who on the surface are less affected, suffer from all types of symptom and problem for which they require support. They cannot give of themselves and contribute in a way they would like without such support, yet when they do, their contribution can be remarkable. If nothing else, for those with the hard economic nose who might be listening, providing these supports can save money in the long term. The child who may have ended up in an institution could survive in sheltered housing. The child who may have needed sheltered housing might survive independently at home. The adult who would not have been able to work, might be able to attend a sheltered workshop or even enter the full workforce, as many do. Many parts of this process involve various Departments.

By nature, Irish people are generous and kind. I know this from my area, the peninsula of Portrane, Donabate and Lusk, where those with mental health issues are always welcomed with open arms. All they need is understanding and awareness. When they are on that wavelength, they are kind and make accommodations. That allows somebody with a difficulty more opportunities to explain what it is that is upsetting, bothering and causing him or her to behave in the way he or she is.

I am glad that we have made this decision today. I have mentioned before the strategies that are in place in many other countries. We need a concise plan to address what is becoming an increasingly common condition. Some even talk about it being an epidemic.

I thank the more than 21,000 people who signed the online petition. I appeal to them to keep trying to get more people to sign it. As the Minister pointed out, the Bill will have to go before the Dáil where a battle will have to be fought. We will all be watching and keeping the pressure on because this issue is not going to go away. We want children and adults with autism to have the best we can offer them, as well as giving them the best chance to give of themselves to society.

I must mention the Parliamentary Counsel, Mr. Brian Hunt, who did significant work on the Bill pro bono. In 2012 former Deputy Michael McCarthy introduced a Bill which was not quite the same as this to put in a place a national autism strategy. I wish him well in his new line of work.

I thank my colleagues in the Seanad for their unanimous support and the Minister for his help. Most of all, I thank the citizens on the autistic spectrum and their families for their perseverance and support.

We have been behind the curve. The Bill gives us opportunity to get ahead of it, not just for those with autism before for everybody with a disability. As we progress the Bill and develop the strategy, it should be merged with other strategies. It is not exclusive but must be inclusive. The needs of people with autism are particular and diverse. There are many others with a disability whose needs must be met too. I can only see good coming from this. There is no question of making the lot of people with autism better than the lot of others in a way that is discriminatory. I want the lot of all people with a disability to be improved.I have chosen this particular issue to champion for obvious reasons. It is what got me involved in politics on the health board 27 years ago and it is something that is still very close to my heart. I have a passion for it.

I thank everybody. I wish the Minister well in progressing the Bill through Dáil Éireann. He will have our constant support at his back and by his side.