Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

There are two matters arising for parents of children with autism. The first is securing a place for them in special units that have been set up in some schools and about which we heard in dealing with previous questions. That is a problem. Moreover, many children cannot cope or function in these special units because their needs are much more complex. They are specifically the children with whom the group is concerned. This is a unique case as a major public meeting was held about this issue and parents and professionals are united on the need for a special school. All of the Deputies, councillors and other public representatives in the area are also united on it. As a result of the demographics and specific age profile, Dublin West is the place where it must happen first. Parents have found a potential patron and the education and training board has indicated that it would be willing to be the patron of such a school. They also have two potential sites, one of which could possibly be provided by the education and training board. All they need is the provision of funds to allow the project to happen.

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