Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
522. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Education if her Department is involved in implementing any of the recommendations identified in the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism Final Report; the measures that have been implemented to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48316/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for the question and would like to advise the following:
Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion, for my department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The recommendations in the report relate to work under a number of Government Departments and state agencies. The recommendations relating to education are wide ranging and, as such, a response from a broad range of sections in the Department will be required. My Department continues to review the report recommendations. I know that a number of advocacy groups are also interested in relation to the response across Departments to the report.
As the Deputy may be aware , development of a new national strategy on autism, the Autism Innovation Strategy, is currently at an advanced stage. This work is being led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).
Drafting of the strategy is being finalised at present. This follows several months of engagements right across Government to agree a suite of clear, simple actions that can address gaps in existing supports and services for Autistic people within an 18 month timeframe. This process has included careful consideration of the recommendations contained in the final report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism and the findings of a public consultation held in 2022.
Once drafting of the strategy is complete, there will be a further public consultation prior to the formal adoption of the Autism Innovation Strategy. It intended that implementation of the strategy will begin in early 2024 and that is the clear focus of work at present.
The Autism Innovation Strategy will identify ways to address the bespoke challenges and barriers faced by Autistic people and provide the building blocks for a more autism-inclusive society. It will be cross-Government in nature and will take a holistic approach towards addressing these challenges in a way that complements and aligns with wider action on disability. While DCEDIY is coordinating development of the strategy, delivery of actions will be the responsibility of relevant departments and agencies in line with their areas of responsibility.
My Department and the NCSE remain committed to delivering an education system that is of the highest quality and where every child and young person feels valued and is actively supported and nurtured to reach their full potential.
