Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2019
327. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the status of the Autism Spectrum Disorder Bill 2017; when he envisages the Bill will progress through Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10645/19]
View answerSimultaneous with the publication of Senator Reilly's Bill in 2017, Minister Harris asked the HSE to prepare a report detailing models of good practice across the Health Service. The HSE Report was published in December 2018 by the Minister alongside a Department of Health research paper on the prevalence of Autism in Ireland. As outlined by the Minister in the Seanad second stage debate, these are key steps in developing an autism strategy as envisaged by the Bill.
The Minister has instructed the HSE to proceed with the establishment of a Programme Board who will further the implementation of the recommendations of the Review.
The HSE 2019 National Service Plan reflects this commitment and an Autism Plan is to be published in 2019.
Tony Canavan, Chief Officer will lead a national working group focused on the implementation. This builds on the substantial work already commenced in relation to improving Autism services, and the assessment process in particular.
Key priorities for the group include The Establishment of a Programme Board, Programme of Awareness Raising/Engagement and Guidance to Clinicians and Service Development.
As was also pointed out by the Minister during the debate on the Bill, the multi service needs of people with Autism are broader than the remit of the Department of Health. The Department of Justice and Equality has responsibility for providing a focal point for the promotion and co-ordination of disability policy, including the development of the National Disability Strategy. In this context, the Department of Justice oversees the implementation of the Strategy and the accompanying Programme of Additional Actions on Autism.
Because of the actions already outlined above which will deliver an autism plan in 2019 and the unique context and nature of the current legislative programme, it is not considered necessary to advance the Senator’s Bill at this stage.
