Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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1004. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of the autism strategy as required under the Autism Bill 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41507/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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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 the Deputy will be aware, all Bills on the Order Paper fall on dissolution of the Dáil.

Notwithstanding this, it is important to note that the new Disability Inclusion Strategy 2016-2020, which is due to be published shortly, contains a commitment to implementing the Action Plan on Autism and also includes several autism-specific actions relating to health and education services and supports. In addition, work is currently underway in the National Disability Authority (NDA) on updating the Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information provided by Public Bodies to ensure greater clarity for the needs of people with autism.