Rebecca Moynihan (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of the establishment of an autism spectrum disorder, ASD, school in Dublin 12. Parents have campaigned for it for a number of years and the recent report from the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, acknowledged that Scoil Choilm is a possible location. A building patron has come forward but it is getting no engagement from the Department. It needs the Department to sanction the school and get a roll number in order for it to be able to negotiate with the current trustees of the building.

Can the Leader invite the new Minister of State for special education and social inclusion to the Chamber to discuss the complete lack of ASD and special classes in the south Dublin area? While the previous Minister, Deputy McHugh, directed 39 schools to provide ASD classes, that will require engagement over the summer with schools and parents. It is simply unacceptable that in 2020 we cannot ensure that all of the children in our nation get the education to which they are entitled. We are not cherishing each of the nation's children equally.I ask that the new Minister of State addresses the Chamber over the course of the summer in order that those of us from the area can engage with him on the provision of special classes within south Dublin.