Huge support for Tipperary family in battle for a school place for their autistic son

The Barrett family is receiving massive support in Cahir and all over the county in their bid to find their five -year-old son Michael a place in a primary school autism unit.

The family has received ten letters of rejection from schools because there are no vacancies in ASD units this September.

People are signing a petition placed in business outlets in Cahir in a show of solidarity for the Barrett family.
People in Clonmel can also sign the petition at the Family Carers Ireland Centre in Gladstone Street.

READ MORE: Tipperary family face almighty battle to find an ASD place for their autistic son

Cllr Richie Molloy, the local carers support manager, met with carer Tina Barrett and expressed his frustration with the Government.

“Family Carers Ireland has voiced significant concerns regarding the shortage of school placements for children with special needs. In their pre-budget submission, they urged the Government to uphold its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and to fulfill its constitutional duty to provide every child with access to appropriate education,” said Cllr Molloy.

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Cllr Molloy called on the Minister for Education Helen McEntee and her Junior Minister Michael Moynihan to ensure that Michael is granted his right to education.
Cllr Molloy has also encouraged carers in Tipperary to support a petition aimed at securing a place for Michael.