Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I rise to mark World Autism Day. It is also Autism Awareness Week. I attended a coffee morning this morning with Dóchas in Limerick. I met many children and their families. There was a talk going on and it was a really interesting morning. It was great to get an insight and to hear first-hand from families and from a campaigner who has been 14 years fighting for children with autism and special needs. It really was a very informative morning. While some people know some of the issues facing some of the children and their families, it is very important to go out and engage with people and get first-hand experience.

The Minister of State with responsibility for local government published the plans for the proposed directly elected mayors. Nobody is forcing anything on anybody. It is going to be a plebiscite held in Cork, Limerick city and county, and Waterford city and county. It is very important that clear information be sent out to people. As a former Mayor of Limerick I am a big supporter of the idea. I think it is the right way to go. When we look at other European countries, they have leaders, but it is very important that we get this right if we are to get the information out there. As well as a leaflet going out to all the voters, it is important for the Department to hold public information meetings where people will have the opportunity to have their questions answered. Several people have contacted me with questions and reservations. We have to put clear information out there. Sometimes things do not go through. It is really important to have a clear message and to give all the necessary information to those who have the right to vote on 24 May in the plebiscite on directly elected mayors.