Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to talk about the hidden cost of autism and the report that was produced in the last couple of days about the cost to families of children and adults with autism. A cost of €30,000 was cited for private therapies, speech and language or occupation therapy, transport and everything connected with that. There are huge extra costs for families with people with disabilities and not just autism. It is not right that they are made to jump through hoops to get any assistance that is there. There are so many gaps in the system that do not meet the needs of adults and children with autism. There is a lack of respite care and other care that is needed. It speaks to a failure of our heath, education and transport systems that these services and supports are not available.

I particularly want to talk about the lack of residential places and the Government's refusal to approve, or delay in approving, places where residential care is needed. Families will always try to look after their children, young adults and adults within the home setting. There are cases where that is not possible and the behaviours of the person with autism are such that the health and safety of those living within the family setting are endangered. These people with disabilities like autism are being intentionally criminalised by the health services because they are being referred to the Garda. Families and carers are being told to call the guards. The Garda station is alerted to respond immediately to a call from a specific house. That is not right. I want the gardaí and the Garda Representative Association to say this cannot continue. Why are we criminalising people who have behavioural difficulties and disabilities? It is crazy and wrong. I want the Minister to come to the House to talk specifically about this issue.