Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2013
688. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the appropriate services, if any, provided by his Department for those with autism and or autistic spectrum disorders, particularly in the context of the criminal justice system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26767/13]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that while my Department does not have specific services or facilities in place for those with autism and or autistic spectrum disorders, I can confirm that my Department's officials, when dealing with the public, treat all persons with dignity and respect and its policy is to facilitate and support this as far as is possible as indicated in the following examples.
An Garda Síochána
An Garda Síochána carries out its functions in line with the Garda Diversity Strategy. Garda members dealing with the public treat all persons with dignity and respect regardless of gender, race, religious beliefs, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, nationality, disability, economic circumstances, marital or family status or membership of the Traveller community. The Garda Victims Charter states that if a victim has any form of disability their special needs or requirements will be taken into account. This includes persons with autism or autistic spectrum disorders.
Courts Service
The Courts Service is acutely aware of the right of equal access and access with dignity to the courts for all users. Everyone who attends the courts presents with a different set of circumstances, a varying degree of understanding and a personalised set of needs and every effort is made to meet those needs. The Courts Service has a Disability Liaison Officer whose function includes arranging for and co-ordinating the provision of assistance and guidance to persons with disabilities in accessing court services. The Service continues to work to improve facilities across a wide variety of areas including court buildings, technology and the provision of information to court users. Disabled access and facilities are included in all court building and refurbishment projects.
Irish Youth Justice Service
As the Deputy may be are aware the Health Service Executive is developing a forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (forensic CAMHS) to comply with the Ryan Implementation Plan. A community forensic CAMHS was also recommended in the national mental health strategy - A Vision for Change - and once established will provide services for children within the criminal justice system. I also wish to advise the Deputy that community led youth justice services may refer young people coming to their attention to the appropriate services.
Irish Prison Service
While the Irish Prison Service (IPS) does not provide any specific services for persons with autism, the provision of health care is a statutory obligation and all prisoners are medically assessed on committal. The Irish Prison Service provides general health care services for the assessment, treatment and care of prisoners comparable to that available to those entitled to General Medical Services in the community and which are appropriate in a prison setting. Where a doctor or other health care professional operating in the prison environment determines that a prisoner requires treatment in an external setting following a clinical assessment, a referral can be made to the public health system. In addition, professional in reach health care services are provided as required for a range of health care needs.
Probation Service
Finally, I wish to advise the Deputy that while the Probation Service does not provide specific services to those with autism and or autism spectrum disorders it liaises with relevant services that offenders might already be engaged with in the community.
