James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to echo the comments of Senator Norris on Monica Barnes, who was a superb public representative and fought passionately for what she believed in. She was one of the individuals in our political system who would have spread enlightenment and brought the country forward.

In regard to the second point the Senator raised, I would agree with him if I felt there was any attempt to curtail the right of an elected representative to make his or her views known to his or her constituents or electorate. I am sure the Leader will address that.

I also want to mention that on 26 April I highlighted the very serious issue of the lack of school places for children with autism spectrum disorder, ASD, in the country, in particular in Fingal, specifically Skerries. There were certain inaccuracies during the course of that debate, which I want to clarify. Síolta provides an excellent preschool service for children with ASD free of charge. Georgina, who was one of the parents I mentioned, is very pleased with her tutor.

Today I want to ask the Minister for Health to publish the two reports commissioned in August 2017, one by the Department of Health and another by the HSE, in respect of autism and those on the ASD spectrum. We were told they were two essential pieces of work in order to further inform the Bill which was to ensure we have a national strategy for people in the country who have autism. I know the Minister, Deputy Harris, is extremely busy, especially over the past two weeks with CervicalCheck and the referendum on the eighth amendment, and much else besides. We need the reports to be published and the ASD Bill to go to Dáil Éireann. We need an ASD strategy, and it should contain an action plan such as that which we had for jobs and have for housing. An action plan is badly needed so that our children and adults with autism can make their full contribution as citizens to their country.Failing that, I would like the Minister to come to the House and explain what is delaying that Bill, which we first debated a year ago last Thursday. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister to come to the House to discuss these reports and the Bill.

I wish to inform the House that over 71,000 people have signed the petition in support of this Bill so the message is loud and clear. This is an issue that will not go away. It is an issue that is urgent. Somebody mentioned earlier that the clock is ticking. The clock is ticking for these children whose parents watch in anguish when they see more time pass that does not allow them avail of the services that could allow them progress. I thank the Cathaoirleach. I ask the Leader to raise the issue with the Minister and encourage him to publish these two reports.