Longford TD calls for progress on Autism Bill pledge

Longford TD Micheál Carrigy wants to ensure there is delivery and accountability regarding Programme for Government promises on the Autism Innovation Strategy.

The Ballinalee native stated during a Dáil speech that the only way to achieve this was by placing the strategy on a permanent legislative footing and this must be followed up with the appropriate investment and implementation.

The Autism Innovation Strategy was launched by the Government in August 2024.

Deputy Carrigy said it contains over 80 actions that reflect the priorities of autistic people, address the daily challenges faced by themselves and their families face, and seek to address the gaps in existing services and supports.

The Fine Gael TD stated it is also designed to complement and enhance wider action on disability.

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"It includes a significant number of recommendations of the final report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Autism, which was representative of all political groups within this House and engaged with relevant stakeholders.

"Some of the important actions of the strategy include establishing an autism innovation fund to fund projects to empower the autistic community and increase our understanding of autism; supporting inclusive and accessible learning environments that ensure autistic children and their families are supported in transitioning throughout the educational system; and enabling autistic children and adults to access early intervention assessments and multidisciplinary supports."

Deputy Carrigy acknowledged some of the work completed to date, including one-stop shops, a €65 million investment in this year's summer programme, additional undergraduate places in therapies, 400 extra special classes and 300 school places sanctioned for this year.

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However, Deputy Carrigy stressed the needs and challenges faced by autistic people will not go away or end after 18 months.

"Supports need to be put in place for the whole of life.

"The only way to ensure accountability and delivery of all the actions is to put it on a legislative footing.

"It is now eight months since the launch“.”

Deputy Carrigy asked how many of the actions have been commenced or completed?

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He also stated a recent report Same Chance, launched by AsIAm, identifies a regression by comparison with what is in last year's report.

"Some 86% of respondents say they still do not have the same chance as non-autistic people in Irish society, citing long waiting lists, discrimination, a lack of support and financial pressures as key barriers.

"Some 70% of respondents also do not believe the educational system is inclusive of autistic people, representing a 14% increase. Some 69% of children represented in the report are not currently receiving supports, while 84% are waiting over one year.

"This is indicative of circumstances in my county, where there are currently 3.9 vacant posts to be filled in the CDNT and, indeed, a waiting list for places in special schools," he added.

Deputy Carrigy, who has made no secret of how he is the parent of an autistic child, said his drafted bill, the autism action and oversight bill, which is at second stage in the Seanad.

"I want to put it on a legislative footing that the recommendations and act in that strategy are there for all times and there is a requirement on the relevant government department to continue to deliver on their recommendation, whatever it may be, be-it health or education."