Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an important issue arising from the lack of classes for children with autism disorder in the Dublin 6 and Dublin 6W region. All Deputies will be aware that it is extremely demanding to be the parent of a child with autism. It can be very stressful. This becomes particularly acute when the child reaches the age at which he or she must attend national school. We know from the National Council for Special Education that the State's objective is to ensure children with autism can be educated in mainstream schools. It is essential in our Republic that we try to treat all children equally. If we are to ensure children with autism can be taught in mainstream schools, we must ensure classes are provided for kids with autism. I know many schools can take children with autism, but if they are to accommodate children with specific types of autism they have to ensure they have special classes. Just one of the 19 national schools in the Dublin 6 and Dublin 6W region has classes for children with autism spectrum disorder. Many parents in the region who have children with autism are facing difficulties because they are unable to have their children educated locally. They are forced to send their children into other catchment areas. This puts great pressure on them and on the other catchment areas. We need to ensure the national schools in the Dublin 6 and Dublin 6W region provide classes to these children.

If it is not feasible or if the schools are not doing it, is essential that the Government intervenes using its powers under section 8 of the Education (Admission to Schools) Act.

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