Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government contains a commitment to action on autism. The development of a new national autism strategy, the Autism Innovation Strategy, is currently underway and I expect to be in a position to publish a draft text later this year or early next year. This is an important priority for me as Minister of State.

Development of the strategy is currently at an advanced stage with drafting of the strategy being finalised at present. This follows several months of engagements right across Government to agree a suite of clear, simple actions that can address gaps in existing supports and services for Autistic people within an 18 month timeframe. This process has included careful consideration of the recommendations contained in the final report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism and the findings of a public consultation held in 2022.

The Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group was also appointed in December 2022, following an application process. This group, which is majority Neurodivergent, will play a key role in monitoring implementation of the strategy, and in providing constructive advice based on the lived experience and expertise of group members.

Once drafting of the strategy is complete, there will be a further public consultation prior to the formal adoption of the Autism Innovation Strategy. It intended that implementation of the strategy will begin in early 2024 and that is the clear focus of work at present.

The Autism Innovation Strategy will identify ways to address the bespoke challenges and barriers faced by Autistic people and provide the building blocks for a more autism-inclusive society. It will seek to provide for better mainstream understanding and accommodation of the needs of Autistic people. The strategy will be cross-Government in nature and will take a holistic approach towards addressing these challenges in a way that complements and aligns with wider action on disability. While my Department is coordinating development of the strategy, delivery of actions will be the responsibility of relevant departments and agencies in line with their areas of responsibility.