Joint Committee on Autism to resume discussions on Autism Policy

The Committee will hear from:

Representatives from Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), Ms Sinéad Gibney, Chief Commissioner; Dr. Frank Conaty, Commissioner; Dr Rosaleen McDonagh, Commissioner;

Representatives from Office of the Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, Ombudsman; Dr Karen McAuley, Head of Policy; Ms Áine Jackson, Policy Officer; and

Representatives from Office of the Ombudsman, Mr Ger Deering, Ombudsman; Ms Ann-Marie O’Boyle, Investigator.

Committee Cathaoirleach Senator Micheál Carrigy said: “The Committee welcomes the opportunity to hear from these stakeholders about the challenges that autistic people face when trying to access public services such as education, housing and more – particularly from a human rights perspective. Ireland ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in March 2018. However, there is still a long way to go in ensuring its full implementation. We look forward to hearing from our stakeholders about how the State can best promote the rights of autistic people as we seek to implement the UNCRPD.”

The Joint Committee on Autism has 12 Members, seven 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.