Disability Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2015

Wednesday, 27 May 2015

Questions (101)

David Stanton

Question:

101. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide details of the consultation exercise which the National Disability Authority undertook to ascertain the way its implementation plan can most effectively address the needs of persons with autism; the autism professionals who were consulted as part of the exercise; the progress that has been made to date with regard to autism proofing the national disability strategy as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20937/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

The consultation event to which the Deputy refers was undertaken by the National Disability Authority (NDA) in January 2014. Information about the event and the final consultation report are available on the NDA's website. Based on the outcomes of this event and further consultation with Government Departments and disability stakeholders in the interim, a draft Programme of Actions, for inclusion in the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan, was developed. These actions take due regard of the specific needs of those with Autism. The Programme of Actions has been discussed at the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and will be published shortly.