Seanad debates

Tuesday, 18 June 2019

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

2:30 pm

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like others, I offer my condolences on the passing of the Cathaoirleach's sister, Eileen. I also offer my condolences to Senator Coghlan on the passing of his mother, Peggie.

I support what my colleague, Senator Mulherin, has said about climate change and the Government's plan. There is no doubt that there will always be more that can be done, but there is plenty that can be done now. Grants are available, and further grants will be put in place, to support everybody, including those in rural Ireland, in addressing this issue. Farmers are businesspeople and they will grasp with both hands anything out of which they can make a sustainable living.

I wish to address the issues of autism and the Autism Spectrum Disorder Bill 2017 which this House passed unanimously two full years ago. I last raised this issue in January when I asked the Leader of the House to ask the Minister to address us and to tell us what problem was preventing this Bill, which was supported by 77,000 people online, from progressing to the Dáil. The Minister has failed to come in and I am very disappointed by that. It is grossly unfair on people. More than 60,000 families in this country have a member with autism. That is more than 60,000 Irish citizens who, if they got help early enough in life, could make a real contribution to Irish life or at least would not suffer as much as they otherwise would and would be more independent than they would otherwise be. There are such strategies in place across the UK, in England, Scotland and Wales. They are also in place in France, Canada and various other countries around Europe. I am aware of no good reason not to have one here. I ask the Leader to again invite the Minister in to tell us what problem is preventing this Bill progressing to the Dáil. I will continue to raise this issue weekly until I get a satisfactory response. Irish men, women and children with autism deserve better.

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