The child has brought judicial review proceedings against the Minister for Education, the National Council for Special Education, Ireland and the Attorney-General. Photograph: Alan BetsonA High Court action has been brought on behalf of a child with autism who is in a school that allegedly cannot cater for his needs.
His parents have applied to a dozen schools that would cater to his needs and have written to the Department of Education seeking assistance in the matter.His family claims the lack of access to an appropriate education placement for the school year commencing in September amounts to a breach of the boy’s rights to an adequate education.
Counsel accepted that the action involved a child who currently has a school placement. However, it is one where he currently is not suitable, counsel said, adding that the boy’s case has been strengthened by the psychologist’s assessment which states he needs to be provided with an ASD-specific school placement.