Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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80. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of the development of the autism innovation strategy, including measures in place to facilitate the meaningful input of those most directly affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28470/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As part of Autism Awareness Month, in April 2021, I announced the Government’s intention to launch an Autism Innovation Strategy to deliver real and tangible solutions to address the challenges and barriers faced by people with autism across Ireland.

I want to ensure that people with autism are given the opportunity to participate in all stages of the development of the Autism Innovation Strategy, from inception to launch, and on into monitoring implementation of the Strategy thereafter.

As the first step in developing the Autism Innovation Strategy, a public consultation process was launched on 29 April this year. Submissions were invited from people with autism, their families, friends, representatives and supporters.

The second phase of the development of the Strategy will comprise an expression of interest process for membership of a Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group, which Minister Rabbitte will chair. This process will be launched in the coming weeks. The Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group’s main role will be to oversee the monitoring and implementation of the Strategy. It is intended that membership of the group will prioritise the representation of those with a lived experience of neurodiversity and Disabled Person's Organisations (DPOs), as much as possible.

Following the conclusion of the public consultation and the establishment of the Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group, my Department will lead efforts to develop a draft strategy text. Once the Strategy has been drafted, there will be a second public consultation to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate in the finalisation of the actions adopted by Government.

Once published, the Autism Innovation Strategy will utilise the key themes of innovation, empowerment and awareness raising to shape future policies and strategies that are adopted to accelerate our journey towards being a more autism-inclusive and neurodiverse-friendly society.