Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Children with autism have suffered enough. Every Deputy is contacted by local schools seeking SNAs for children with autism and other disabilities. A school that rang me last week was seeking three SNAs for children with serious autism and various disabilities. It was offered just one part-time SNA.

I was interested in what was said about a lack of action on the part of special educational needs organisers. I respect that but special educational needs organisers are to be held accountable. Who can hold them to account? At some stage, the Minister might explain that. As public representatives, we have tried so often to communicate with special educational needs organisers to determine whether we could do something better for a school or open up a discussion. They will not speak. They are speechless and the door is shut. The school that contacted me is looking for three SNAs but can only get one on a half-time basis. That means the children must either stay at home or go to school for only a couple of hours per day, which puts terrible pressure on parents.

I should have thanked the Regional Independent Group earlier for introducing this good Bill.

Early intervention is so important. It is required in every walk of life. I met representatives of the Irish Stammering Association today. Jamie Googan, Michael Ryan and Michael O'Shea said that if they had got help earlier in their lives, it would have made a huge difference to them. I urge everybody here to talk to the group and learn about the difficulties its members have faced. Those requiring autism services are in the same circumstances. The lack of services leads to a very difficult life for them. I would appreciate it if the Minister could at least ensure a sufficient number of SNAs in schools. This would be a great start for the young people affected. If they do not get a good start, they will have difficult times in their lives.

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