ASD classes urgently needed in Dublin Bay South, says Senator Bacik

Labour Senator and spokesperson for children, Ivana Bacik has called on the Government to provide a timeline for the opening of ASD units and outreach classes in schools in Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 6W.

Speaking in the Seanad on Tuesday, May 11, Senator Bacik said there was a serious lack of resources in the community for children with additional needs.

“There is a serious shortage of places in autism units and ASD outreach classes for children in the areas of Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 6W and it is a matter of intense frustration for the many parents, families and children affected.

“Currently, every day, nearly 2,000 children from these areas are bussed to schools in other areas at a cost, I am told, of approximately €63,000 per annum and at how detriment to the children involved and to their families.

“This is the result of poor planning and a lack of local provision and it must be tackled,” she said to Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan.

“I am conscious that there are schools that have stepped up, but these are predominantly Educate Together and DEIS schools.

“There are large areas in Dublin Bay South where there is no provision of ASD classes or autism units.

“We need stricter enforcement of the rules such that schools must provide such placements.”

Senator Bacik said that it essential the services provided are future-proofed and sustainable.

“This is not just about children who need these placements today, although that is the pressing need, it is also about ensuring that planning for the future is conducted in a well thought out and evidence-based manner – such that we do not see children in future also caught in this trap and again having to be bussed out of the areas.

“I welcome news from Minister Madigan that, from September, there will be 1,200 additional places.

“However, I did not hear from her today any commitment as regards places specifically in Dublin 2, 4, 6 or 6W.

“There is no provision on the east side of Dublin Bay South around Ringsend and Sandymount, and I understand that well-established schools are failing to provide places that should be there for children in their local catchment areas.

“Despite the incentives that have been provided by the Government to-date, there remains a serious issue of a shortage of places for children in these areas.”

Senator Bacik says that she calls on the Government “to prioritise delivering a timeframe as to when more places will become available for children in Dublin 2, 4, 6 and 6W because the children concerned cannot wait any longer.”