James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As noted by other speakers, this is World Autism Day. It is now 21 months since this House unanimously passed a Bill dealing with the need for a national autism strategy. To say we are disappointed that there has been no movement on the Bill and that I fail to understand why it has not reached Dáil Éireann is an understatement. Many people suffer as a consequence of the condition and their families struggle bravely to help to bring their children into the world in a meaningful way. They struggle with communication and the behavioural issues that stem from it. Last week I was delighted to attend the opening of a fine new facility by Remember Us in Balbriggan last. The group provides a home not just for children with autism but also for those with any disability. I commend Ms Jean Fitzpatrick and Ms Nora Roban who are the main forces on the committee. I refer also to Snowflakes Autism Support in Swords which provides great services, the Irish Society for Autism and many others. We need a national strategy for people with autism.We have a national strategy for dementia and we had a national strategy for cardiovascular disease. We have had many strategies and I fail to see why we cannot have one for one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. This is available in England, Wales, Scotland, France, Canada and many other places. Sinn Féin has a motion in the Dáil tonight and I commend the party for it but I would like the Minister to come in and explain to us why he cannot bring a Bill which was passed by this Chamber to Dáil Éireann.