Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2015
150. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans for supporting children with autism spectrum disorder in extra-curricular activities that may improve their social skills and also contribute to their quality of life while young, but also as they grow in to their teenage years (details supplied). [18769/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed under the National Disability Strategy (NDS) to ensuring that people with autism are empowered by policy and programmes to participate meaningfully as citizens in Irish society. The NDS is driven by this basic but fundamentally important objective and is the most effective combination of legislation, policies, institutional arrangements and services to support and reinforce equal participation for all people with disabilities.
The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy has been examining issues around autism across Government Departments in association with the National Disability Authority (NDA). This work by the NDA, which has included consultation with families, will be of significant assistance in informing how best to address the needs of people with ASD, so that we can be sure that they are appropriately reflected and included in policies and actions.
The National Disability Strategy Implementation Group has already discussed the findings of the NDA consultation and mapping of services to people with autism. Further to the recommendations of this exercise, the NDA has been engaging bilaterally with Departments and agencies to guide the development of actions under the umbrella of the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan.
My Department has asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy in respect of the detailed operational aspects of the issue that he has raised in so far as it relates to the health service. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should please contact my Private Office and it will follow up the matter with him.
