Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

When the parents of a young autistic boy in County Wicklow who is being denied the right to avail of ABA schooling went to court to vindicate that right, the full force of the State was levelled against them. The family in question is now burdened with a massive legal debt which could put their home at risk. The education (Ireland) Bill, which could help to meet the needs of the boy in question, is well down the Government's legislative list. Can the Taoiseach tell us when that Bill will be brought to the House? Will the Taoiseach take an interest in this case? Does he appreciate the injustice being done to autistic children in County Wicklow, who cannot access ABA schooling provided by the State? If those children were living in County Dublin, they would be able to access such educational provision. The boy in question, Seán Ó Cuanacháin, has been assessed as needing this form of schooling — it would make all the difference to him and to others. I ask the Taoiseach to examine this case. A change of policy in this regard would not cost a huge amount of money, but it would make a huge difference to the individual families concerned.

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