Healy-Rae Faces Criticism After Questioning Rise in Autism Diagnoses in Dáil Éireann
Dublin, Ireland – Independent TD Danny Healy-Rae is facing widespread condemnation following remarks made during a Dáil debate on special education, where he questioned the cause of an apparent increase in autism diagnoses. Healy-Rae suggested a possible link to vitamin deficiencies, prompting immediate and strong reactions from fellow politicians and autism advocacy groups.
During the debate, Healy-Rae stated, “I am wondering what it is indeed, and I have asked this question here before in different debates. Is there something causing it? Is it lack of some vitamins or what is it? We need to address that part of it as well as there could be something that is causing it.” He also noted that it “appeared to be more presenting than in his younger days.”
Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Special Education, Shonagh Ní Raghallaigh, swiftly called for Healy-Rae to withdraw his comments, describing them as “extremely disparaging and entirely unfounded.” She added, “Spouting conspiratorial beliefs on the floor of the Dáil on such a sensitive topic is unacceptable.”
The charity As I Am also released a statement, labeling Healy-Rae’s contribution as “unhelpful and misinformed.” The statement urged all members of the Oireachtas to consider the impact of their words, warning that such remarks contribute to stigma and barriers to diagnosis and support. As I Am clarified that autism is a natural variation in human neurology and that the increase observed is due to greater access to diagnosis, not a rise in the prevalence of autism itself.
sinn Féin has formally requested that Healy-Rae retract his statement and issue an apology to families present in the Dáil gallery during the debate. Ms. Ní Raghallaigh has also written to the Ceann Comhairle, the speaker of the Dáil, regarding the matter.
The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about public understanding of autism and the importance of responsible discourse surrounding neurodiversity.
