Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Thousands of children with disabilities up and down this country are waiting for vital services, therapies and school places. We have been raising their cases in the Dáil. I raised the case of Noah who is autistic and non-verbal, and of Jack who is six. Is it acceptable to the Tánaiste that children are left without services and school places? We know early intervention is key. Will the Tánaiste meet the parents protesting tomorrow outside the Department of Education for school places? Does he agree it is an utter failure of this State that children are left without vital services and school places? Does he accept it is a breach of their constitutional right to education? Will the Tánaiste give a commitment to this House today that all children with autism and special needs will be guaranteed a school place this September?

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