AUTISM SUPPORTS SOUGHT FOR TIPP FAMILY IN DÁIL

The situation whereby families of autistic children must pay privately for assessments and therapies was described as “a crazy situation” by Martin Browne TD. He was speaking as An Cathaoirleach of the Committee on Public Petitions, as a discussion arose on a submission by Ardfinnan’s Mark Darmody on behalf of his daughter, Ms Cara Darmody.

Aspects of the public petition included the fact that more than 18,000 children are waiting long periods for autistic assessment on HSE waiting lists. As the waiting times are so excessive, parents and families are resorting to have critical assessments conducted privately, for which they receive no reimbursement. This is despite the fact that were they to be assessed through the HSE, the cost would be covered. This is also the case for therapy services.

Secondly, an external complaints mechanism was sought for the HSE, as “parents across the country believe the HSE is not accountable for its actions as it investigates itself,” said Mr Brown.

At the time of the committee meeting, held on 20th April, no response had been received from the HSE. Furthermore, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, said that the issue was not their’s. It was agreed to contact the Department of Social Protection.

CARER’S ALLOWANCE

Deputy Pat Buckley confirmed that the Joint Committee on Autism will lay a final report before both Houses of the Oireachtas by May of this year, saying the committee had broadly agreed to support the provision of autism supports and services.

“I understand where the family is coming from and I hope we will get a proper and timely resolution to this matter.”

Mr Brown went on to speak of the “crazy situation”, and also the issue of carer’s allowance.

“The carer’s allowance needs to be looked at so that does not continue for this family or for any of the other 18,000 families that are caught up in the same situation.”

“To make people aware, Family Carers Ireland is also asking for the means test to be abolished on the carer’s allowance in cases such as this. They keep saying it drives families into poverty by reducing someone’s income from in excess of €800 down to €200. It is a crazy situation. It does not allow for where you have to buy something for a sick child.”

“These are issues that we, as a committee, will keep following. We will keep fighting for some sort of consistency right across the board. I am aware the Darmody family has been up here in Leinster House on a regular basis fighting their case, but also fighting on behalf of the other 18,000 families that are affected. It will come up again. We will keep an eye on it. We will keep doing as much as we can in that regard.”