Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

No autism spectrum disorder, ASD, unit or classroom is available for primary schoolchildren locally in Carrick-on-Suir. Parents in the area have been turned away from other schools farther away because of lack of spaces. We have heard of people waiting for two years or more. Some children may have to travel even farther to Waterford city, Dungarvan or Kilkenny, which, as the Taoiseach will appreciate, is unsuitable for many children. It is distressing for parents to have to put their child on a bus to go to a school farther away to say the least. The parents concerned have set up a Facebook page to raise awareness of their situation. Since appearing on local radio, they have become aware of more than 20 families in this situation, some with more than one child.

How can the Department claim to know enough about St. Brigid's in Carrick-on-Suir that it can close it and yet children in need of ASD units or classrooms are being totally overlooked? Parents should not have to form a pressure group to bring a service to their area. Is the Taoiseach aware of this situation, and what is being done to address it? Can he guarantee the people of Carrick-on-Suir that it will be resolved?

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