Dáil to debate landmark Autism Bill

A new bill that provides for a national autism strategy will be discussed by TDs in the Dáil later today.

If passed, it will set out how future governments will meet the needs of children and families affected by the condition.

It will also ensure that the infrastructure to allow people with autism reach their full potential is put in place.

Labour TD Michael McCarthy outlines why he decided to introduce the bill.

He said: "My primary motivation is, as a TD in west Cork, I meet many many parents of children with autism who just feel that there is a lack of provision for people with ASD and there is a lack of knowledge of the condition.

"In many respects I felt that, at a political level, that issue has to be addressed and the best way of doing that is by proposing this legislation."