Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Last week, I was contacted by the parents of a girl with autism who lives in Skerries. They were one of 32 families in my area to receive the devastating news that their child will not have a place in the ASD unit in the Educate Together primary school in September. This morning, I spoke to the girl's mother and to say she is devastated is an understatement. She is heartbroken, the same as any parent, the same as me and the same as the Tánaiste. All she wants is for her child to be able to live her best life and to thrive. In order to be able to do this she needs a place in the ASD unit.

There is an urgent need to build the long-promised four additional ASD classes. Grant approval was given in 2019. Last October, the Minister for Education said that plans would be signed off shortly but we are still waiting. I need an update. Last week, 32 families were told there was no place for their child in the ASD unit in Skerries. What are they supposed to do now? Where are kids going to go in September? Will the Minister for Education look at what options are there for these devastated families? September will not be long coming and the kids really do need support. Their parents are absolutely devastated. I know this is the same as in many areas but 32 families got the news last week and to say they are devastated is an understatement.

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