Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

As the Fine Gael Party spokesperson on education, I am astounded by the High Court decision that the parents of a seven year old autistic child, the Ó Cuanacháins, are not entitled to legal costs of seven figures. The couple were doing no more than defending their legal entitlement to an appropriate education for their son. The key word in this context is "appropriate". They wanted applied behavioural analysis — ABA — tuition. Much quantitative evidence is available from families whose children have received this education to show that it works. I have also observed this method working in a school in Galway, Ábalta.

I am very concerned by the decision of the High Court in this case. First, the parents were failed by the State which did not provide appropriate education and early intervention for their son for years. Now the courts are putting the fear of God into 150 families who may also wish to defend their legal entitlement to appropriate education. The Minister favours an eclectic approach to education for autistic children. I have not seen supporting research for this approach. The issue will be raised at the Joint Committee on Education and Science which is discussing this area. Cost should not be a factor in the provision of education for children with autism. Appropriate education is what matters because it will, in the long run, lead to the formation of independent young adults. Evidence in support of ABA is available.