Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2021
65. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there is a timeline in place for the establishment of the working group to develop an autism innovation strategy; the key priorities of the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26437/21]
View answerMy colleague, Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte T.D., recently announced her intention to establish a Working Group to develop an Autism Innovation Strategy.
The focus of the strategy in the short term will be to deliver real and tangible solutions to the challenges, needs and experiences of people with autism.
The Autism Innovation Strategy will be cross departmental in nature as autism innovation is not solely an issue to be addressed with health supports but one which requires a more holistic approach to be taken. Key areas of focus will relate to education, employment, health and housing.
Minister Rabbitte intends to set up an Autism Innovation Strategy Working Group, which will seek to develop this Strategy and will chair this Working Group once established. The formation of the Working Group is at the planning stage. It is certainly the intention that, in line with UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, there will be consultation and participation of people with disabilities.
