Outrage as Danny Healy-Rae links autism to ‘lack of vitamins’ in Dáil debate

Autistic advocate and parents have condemned Danny Healy-Rae’s Dáil remarks suggesting autism may be caused by vitamin deficiency

The Irish Examiner contacted Mr Healy Rae by phone on Thursday afternoon, but he said he was not in a position to respond. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

It was “deeply disappointing” and a “jaw-dropping surprise” to hear Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae suggest that a lack of vitamins causes autism, an autistic advocate has said.

Concern has grown in the community since Mr Healy-Rae made the comments in the Dáil on Wednesday during a discussion on a Sinn Féin motion on special education.