Máire Devine (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In Crumlin, in Dublin South-Central, the Dublin 12 autism group, a grassroots organisation of exhausted mammies, has through hard slog, tenacity and dogged determination showed up the abject failures of those tasked with providing an education for children with extra needs. Education is the only right guaranteed by this State. Unfortunately, a lack of understanding and cohesive policy in the face of an obvious need has resulted in underinvestment and a paucity of services and supports that leaves many children way behind and abandoned. I have worked with the Dublin 12 autism group. Their vision, hopes and dreams for their children's futures spurred them on to become warriors and to achieve the opening of Scoil Eoin in Crumlin, which is bursting at the seams. It has become a safe place to learn, to grow and to belong. Why has a governmental comprehensive research plan not been enacted? The Government has left it up to the mammies to lead. The building and its facilities are not ideal, although they are better than in some other places. For example, occupational therapy is held in the hallways. Despite this, the school has given children and parents a haven and a base near home so that they can belong in their community, know it and be nurtured as future leaders of that community. It is their right.

Why has this not been replicated throughout the country for the rights of all of our children? Where are the additional need essential autism classes? Where are the special school places? When will teachers be trained as part of their college degrees? They should do work experience in autism classes and special schools. A brief workshop is not sufficient. A shortage of teachers has a significant detrimental effect here in Dublin. It impacts resource teachers in particular. Transport buses are unreliable. Services are frequently cancelled, leaving children unable to attend school if it is located away from the family's home area. This disruption affects the entire family. Mainstreamed autistic children need support as well. Each mainstream class should have a full-time SNA. Children are left with unsatisfactory home schooling or drastically reduced hours. We must invest in them and in our staff.

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