Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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360. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the Autism Bill legislation which was promised to give Ireland a national strategy on autism; the status of the autism service for adults in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4203/16]

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 trust 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, has been of significant assistance in informing how best to address the needs of people with ASD as part of the National Disability Strategy which covers a wide range of policy areas and Government Departments and agencies, so that we can be sure that they are appropriately reflected and included in policies and actions. The proposed approach was also discussed with the National Disability Strategy Steering Group.

I understand from the NDA that a programme of specific measures has now been agreed for delivery by the relevant Government Departments and agencies, including specific actions to be delivered by the NDA.

The Minister for Justice & Equality is currently preparing a revised National Disability Inclusion Strategy with a view to having it in place by early 2016 following a wide consultation with interested parties.

As a particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.