Councillor John Brady - Delaney/Rahilly Cumann, Bray
Published: 1 March, 2008
Speaking in favour of motion 151
As an Irish Republican I believe that we should cherish all our children equally, as is stated in the proclamation for independence.
In the Ireland of 2008 some children are treated more equal than others when it comes to accessing appropriate education. Take for example children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
In Wicklow, the constituency I represent, St. Catherine's special school for children with Autism was set up in 2004 in Barnacoyle. It is designed to be a centre of excellence that implements quality behaviour analytic instruction (ABA). This method is scientifically proven to be the most effective method of educating children with ASD.
The school has made a number of applications for funding to the Department of Education and Science but they are refusing to fund the ABA element of teaching there.
One Arklow family, the Ó Cuanachains, whose autistic son Seán attends Barnacoyle, have gone all the way to the high court in an attempt to get an appropriate education for him using ABA. The state fought them all the way and they are now facing a possible personal bill of €2million. The total legal bill is in the region of €5 - €7million. This also happens to be the amount needed to support the 12 extra special schools for Autistic children which are no longer being approved or funded by the Department.
The special school for autistic children in Barnacoyle is one of these schools. I say shame on Mary Hanafin and shame on this government.
On 13th February there was a motion put forward in Leinster House dealing with the funding of ABA. Fianna Fáil. The Greens and the PDs voted against this motion. One Fianna Fáil backbencher Mary O'Rourke voted against the motion but spoke against the Department saying, "There is a blockage at some level within the Department against the full blooded provision of ABA".
She is right, the blockage is her party, the Green Party and the PDs. And the best thing to do with a blockage is to remove it.
Go raibh mile maith agaibh.
|
