Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Parents of children with additional needs are battling for rights every day. The current setback is nothing new for them. One example of the ongoing battle that children with additional needs have is the 37A process for autism spectrum disorder, ASD, classes in south Dublin, which was set in train by the former Minister, Deputy McHugh, and has now finished. Following the closure of the 37A process for ASD classes no classes were established in Dublin 4 or Dublin 6 as a result of the process. Considering the enormous impact this is having on families in Ringsend, Milltown, Ranelagh and throughout Dublin 4 and Dublin 6, there is an urgent need for a specific 37A process for Dublin 4 and Dublin 6. The absence of ASD classes is unacceptable. We now have a situation where there are no ASD classes in Dublin 4 or Dublin 6 after the 37A process. We know what has to be done and the Minister needs to do it. Action and resources are needed.

I have spoken to many schools in Dublin 4 and Dublin 6 and they are willing to set up ASD classes but what they do not want, and what the parents of children with autism do not want, is an autism class wedged into a school that looks like an afterthought. Properly constructed and resourced classes need to be installed and the funding needs to be invested in our children as a matter of urgency. This needs to be done so classes meet the needs of children with autism and are not just box ticking exercises. It seems that when it comes to children with autism and their education that any place will do. This cannot be allowed any more. ASD classes in Dublin 4 and Dublin 6 need to be resourced and open as at matter of urgency.

The Minister speaks regularly about inclusion but, unfortunately, the reality is very different. Last year, the Government spent more than €100 million transporting special needs children out of their communities when they should be in their local schools. There are no official figures for the number of children who are not receiving the education they require. The Department and the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, have no idea how many children in Ringsend, Sandymount, Ranelagh and throughout Dublin 4 and Dublin 6 need special education and this is absolutely bonkers.

We would not let a new school or extension be built without a wheelchair ramp and disabled access being installed. Why are schools being built that do not have ASD classes? How can we have extensions to schools but no additional ASD classes? I know the Minister has given commitments to change this but, like many families of children with additional needs, I will not believe any commitment until I see it delivered. What we have now is educational apartheid and we must change this urgently. By any statistical measure this has never been truer than it is in Dublin 4 and Dublin 6. Will the Minister initiate a 37A process specifically for Dublin 4 and Dublin 6 as a matter of urgency?

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