Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We need special classes in special schools to be open in each area. Part of my question was whether the Minister of State was aware of the locations in different parts of the country where there is an inadequate number of places. One piece of correspondence that was brought to the attention of the Joint Committee on Autism stated that Naas has a population of 22,000 and has only three autism classes in the whole town. One parent from Naas travels 100 km every day to bring her child to a special class in a school in County Wicklow. There is another case in County Kildare where a special is not accepting any new applicants for the second year running. I know of a student in that situation who has very complex and profound disabilities, is non-verbal and has a heart condition and needs access to a special school but does not have such access. Her mother also has a condition and is not in a position to homeschool or care for her child at home. This is an example of a child progressing from primary to secondary school. The Department and the NCSE should be aware of children in such situations and ensure they are prioritised and have a school place come September. That is extremely important.

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