Mildred Fox (Wicklow, Independent)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this important matter. I congratulate the Minister of State on her appointment yesterday. I do not speak as often as most in this House, so I hope she sees this as an indication of how seriously I take this matter.

St Catherine's special school in Newcastle, County Wicklow, established an autism specific pre-school in Barnacoyle House in Newcastle in February 2004 to meet the growing demand for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Wicklow. This facility has become vital to the many families it helps and makes the concept of early intervention a reality. Early intervention makes a major difference in the long-term success of an autistic child. However, the parents of at least nine children are faced with the uncertainty of not knowing whether Barnacoyle pre-school will still operate after 31 March. This will present significant practical problems for parents and children alike, many of whom are now in the routine of attending Barnacoyle which, if disrupted, will cause difficulties for many of the children.

A number of difficulties have also been experienced by parents in trying to pursue many of the services which were promised to them by the Government through various routes. The Education for Persons with Special Needs Act 2004 outlines an individual educational programme to benefit autistic children. There are strict timeframes for these programmes and they must be carried out within one month of a request by a special educational needs organiser, while they must take no more than two months to complete. However, the reality is that despite individual educational programmes having been requested for a number of children four months ago, their requests have not yet even been commenced. Many children who have been referred by St. Catherine's services have not been dealt with and there have been no letters to parents; there has been nothing at all. The only feedback is that there may be issues regarding the board of management of the school. This is the same board of management which was in place when the Department of Education and Science requested and sanctioned post-primary facilities for autistic children.

It is the easiest thing in the world to come into this House and put down a matter for the Adjournment and to read a speech into the record of the Dáil. However, two and half minutes is not enough time for such a serious issue. This matter is worthy of a meeting between the Minister of Education and Science and a deputation from St. Catherine's school to discuss the many issues and to give them a serious hearing. I earnestly request that this take place as soon as possible.

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