Tipperary children with autism still waiting for appropriate school places

On World Autism Day, TD Mattie McGrath addressed the Dáil about the lack of appropriate school places for children living in South Tipperary who have autism. 

Deputy Mattie McGrath started by saying: "Children with autism are being abandoned in South Tipperary. The HSE have said that the wait time for autism assessments is in excess of two years.

"There are 233 children waiting for an autism assessment, disability rights campaigner Cara Darmody was told in the past that children could access assessments privately but that’s not happening. I’ve repeatedly raised issues about children with autism getting appropriate school places.

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“We know we have at least 17 children in South Tipperary waiting for a placement in a special school and many others are waiting for a place in special classes.

"The Minister has said he’s going to force schools to take places but we have schools that are waiting for places that won’t be able to give them. Taoiseach on this day especially, will you please try to do something to alleviate this.

"I know a lot of progress has been made recently and I thank Minister Moynihan for engaging very well and for his visit to Cashel recently. We need to do more here for the likes of Michael Barrett in Cahir who are still waiting."

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Taoiseach Micheál Martin responded saying that he’ll take up his concerns with the Minister and asked Deputy McGrath to clarify what schools have places that are not being filled.

“Our immediate focus is to get places for all children. I understand in the Munster area that is more or less on track. We just want to keep on top of it. There’s still challenges in Dublin.”

Mattie McGrath responded that Bansha National School has spaces that are not being filled by students.