Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

For autistic kids, early intervention is key. That is what all the experts say. The Disability Act places a legal obligation upon the State to determine within three months whether assessment is appropriate and then to assess within a further three months. I have here a letter sent last week by the HSE to the parents of a child living in Cork city who is just under two years of age. The letter confirms receipt of a referral for the child requesting an autism diagnostic assessment. It then goes on to say that the waiting time for autism assessment is approximately 24 to 30 months. Cara Dermody wants the Taoiseach to give a commitment that the State will be in a position to meet its legal obligations in full within a maximum of 12 months. Is the Taoiseach prepared to make such a commitment? If not, how does he expect the parent of any autistic child anywhere in this State to even consider voting for a Government party at the next election?

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