Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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2444. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide an update on the Autism Assessments and Interventions Pathway Protocol Project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42919/25]

Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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2445. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will outline her plans to introduce a tiered approach to assessment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42920/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2444 and 2445 together.

The Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol has been developed by the HSE, informed by extensive consultation with stakeholders, including people with lived experience of autism, and in line with international best practice and expertise.

It is intended that the Protocol will provide for a tiered approach to assessment which facilitates practitioners to match the extent of assessment undertaken to the complexity of presentation of autism and possible co-occurring conditions.

The HSE has advised that the Protocol has been finalised and submitted to the HSE Clinical Forum for sign off. Once approved, it will be implemented as an integrated services protocol, including disability, mental health and primary care.

Implementation planning by the HSE is underway to apply the Protocol in each of the six Regional Health Areas in the second half of 2025. This will be accompanied by an autism awareness training programme for all staff.