Joint Committee on Autism to Joint Committee on Autism to resume discussions on Autism Policy and Education with Minister Harris and stakeholders

The meeting at 11am in Committee Room 4 of Leinster House will be split into two sessions:

• 11am – Representatives from SOLAS Further Education and Training Authority, Mr Alan McGrath, Executive Director of Delivery, and Ms Róisín Doherty, Director of Learner Support;
  Representatives from Dublin City University, Ms Fiona Earley, DCU Autism Friendly University Coordinator, and Dr Mary Rose Sweeny, Head of DCU School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health;
  Representatives from Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities, Professor Michael Shevlin, Director, Mr. Hugo MacNeill, Ambassador, Ms. Marie Devitt, Employment Pathways Coordinator, and Ms. Barbara Ringwood Senior Occupational Therapist.
• 1pm – Simon Harris TD, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Committee Cathaoirleach Senator Micheál Carrigy said: “The Committee continues our examination of Autism Policy and Education with discussions on how people with autism can access and be facilitated in further education and training including apprenticeships with a view to moving on to take advantage of employment opportunities. We look forward to hearing from the representatives of SOLAS, DCU and Trinity College, and discussing wider policy issues and related matters with Minister Harris.”

The Joint Committee on Autism has 13 Members, eight from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 4 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.