Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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141. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to progress the Autism Bill 2012 through Committee Stage in the lifetime of the current Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12303/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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In March 2013, a Private Members Bill entitled the Autism Bill 2012 was debated and passed Second Stage in the Dail. The Bill, as introduced, makes provision for the preparation of an autism strategy and a national framework for addressing the specific needs of adults with autism. The broad thrust of the Bill was accepted by Government and it was not opposed at Second Stage. Although the needs of people with autism have received some recognition in recent years, the Bill is seen as contributing to a more enlightened and educated public debate.

In the context of the Autism Bill, it is important to note that the Government is already committed under the National Disability Strategy (NDS) to ensuring that people with autism are empowered by policy and programmes to participate meaningfully as citizens in Irish society. The NDS is driven by this basic but fundamentally important objective and is the most effective combination of legislation, policies, institutional arrangements and services to support and reinforce equal participation for all people with disabilities.

The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy has been examining issues around autism across Government Departments in association with the National Disability Authority (NDA). This work by the NDA, which has included consultation with families, will be of significant assistance in informing how best to address the needs of people with ASD, so that we can be sure that they are appropriately reflected and included in policies and actions.

The National Disability Strategy Implementation Group has already discussed the findings of the NDA consultation and mapping of services to people with autism. Further to the recommendations of this exercise, the NDA is now engaging bilaterally with Departments and agencies to guide the development of actions under the umbrella of the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan.