Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have had a brief meeting with parents who have taken leadership into their own hands with respect to autism units and classes for their children. This is happening throughout the country but particularly in Dublin. In Dublin 12, Dublin 15, Dublin 8 and Dublin 6, parents have commenced a parent support group because their children are isolated and alone. They have no information and no care plans, despite the fact that we know early intervention is the best approach. They have to travel miles to get an education placement outside their comfort zone and their communities. I ask for the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy McHugh, to give the House an update on this issue. We need to consider putting a provision into the legislation that states that all new builds, extensions and fundamental infrastructural change to schools must provide sufficient units for children so that they do not have to travel outside their community. We want inclusion and support and we want these children to have an education within their communities, to make friends, and to become leaders of the next generation.That is vitally important. At present, they are out on a limb, on their own, frightened and isolated, and afraid to say anything to the schools to explain what their children need because they might be told all of a sudden that it is too much for the schools and that those needs cannot be met there. Children are being home tutored, which is an hour a day, if it is granted, and there is a delay in that regard. I would be delighted if the Leader could ask the Minister, Deputy McHugh, to come in and give us an update.