Donegal Senator Jimmy Harte has welcomed the “excellent work” done by Deputy Michael McCarthy to legislate for people with autism and their families.
The Letterkenny Senator says the work represents a significant first step towards the establishment of a national approach to autism, which affects so many families in Donegal and throughout the country.
“It is significant that the Bill was introduced by Deputy MC Carthy who as a backbencher has shown that an important piece of legislation can be introduced by TD’s and Senators which can have a major impact in society.
“The cross-Party support for this Bill, as demonstrated on the floor of the Dáil chamber today, was heartening and reflects how this issue has affected so many families across the country. As Deputy McCarthy has stated, this is an historic day for people with autism and marks a first step in making autism a national priority.
“The Bill, when enacted, seeks to place a statutory duty on the Government to publish a national strategy within two years of its enactment. This will ensure that Governments will be obliged to meet the needs of people with autism spectrum disorder, and support them in order that they can reach their full potential.
“It was important that Minister for Health, James Reilly supported strongly Deputy McCarthy’s Bill and I look forward to the rights of adults with autism being vindicated,” he said.
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