July 7, 2023
Sinn Féin introduce legislation to support pupils with autism at school – Chris Andrews TD and Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD

Sinn Féin TD for Dublin Bay South, Chris Andrews, and TD for Cork South Central, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, have introduced legislation in the Dáil to make the education system more inclusive for pupils with autism.

The Education (Inclusion of Persons) Bill 2023 requires the National Council for Special Education and the Department of Education to properly forecast and plan for the number of school places needed for children with special educational needs.

It also requires school management boards to consider how to support children with special educational needs, and for board members to undertake training in disability rights.

Speaking in the Dáil as he introduced the legislation yesterday, Teachta Andrews said:

“There is a strong feeling among parents of autistic children that their voice is not being heard on school boards of managements and this Bill would go some way to correcting that imbalance.

“In many schools across the country children with Autism are being transported out of their communities to schools huge distances from their homes. This is because there are not the number of class places in schools that are required.

“This Bill will also mean that issues relating to autistic children are raised at the Board.”

Teachta Ó Laoghaire said:

“Children with special educational needs, including autism, deserve to have the supports that they need to flourish.

“Unfortunately, parents too often feel that they are being badly let down by the education system and forced to fight to ensure their children’s needs are met.

“This legislation would be an important step in supporting families of children with autism. Teachta Andrews and I are urging all TDs to back this Bill to ensure it can pass as soon as possible and begin making a positive difference in children’s lives.”

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

"I know two STAUNCH Fianna Fáil supporters, and they told me that they would never ever vote Fianna Fáil again because you drove their 4 children to the 4 corners of the world."

A Sinn Féin Gov would prioritise housing and build the homes that our people need. @ThomasGouldSF

Sinn Féin is committed to funding Mental Health Care – Mark Ward TD

“We have a raft of measures that will improve people’s access to the mental health care they need, when and where they need it.”

MORE: https://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/66186

@Wardy1916

Sinn Féin has a plan to fix the health service.

Patients, their families and health staff deserve a health system that works.

Read our Alternative Health Budget here: https://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/66183

It’s time for change! – @DavidCullinane

Pa Daly TD condemns ‘cowardly’ attack on Garda in Dublin

“All Gardaí must have confidence that they can conduct their duties safely and get on with protecting communities”

https://www.sinnfein.ie/contents/66184

Load More