Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

166. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the Autism Bill (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18663/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In March 2013, a Private Members Bill entitled the Autism Bill 2012 was debated and passed, unopposed by Government, to Second Stage in the Dáil. As a Private Members Bill, however, it did not form part of the Government's legislative programme. The Oireachtas has advised that all Private Members legislation has fallen following the dissolution of the Dáil.

Notwithstanding this, 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, 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.

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