Mayo general election candidate calls lack of autism class places a ‘huge concern’

The ongoing shortage of autism class placements in mainstream schools across Mayo have reached a critical point, according to Councillor Patsy O'Brien.

The Independent General Election candidate in Mayo has ‘huge concern’ over the lack of support for autism class places in mainstream schools.

He explained how parents of children with autism are under considerable strain, as many Mayo schools are unable or unwilling to provide the necessary educational support for children with special needs.

_{Independent general election candidate for Mayo, Patsy O'Brien}

The Robeen-based politician has called for urgent action from local parents, educators, and advocacy groups on the situation.

The Government recently released a new circular 0080/2024, which includes additional measures to highlight developments around special classes and special school planning.

However, Cllr O'Brien said despite the development, many parents and educators are calling for ‘immediate intervention from the Department of Education to provide additional funding and training for teachers’.

Educators and parents are also calling for the implementation of stricter regulations on the establishment of autism classes in mainstream schools.

"I have been contacted by parents and educators and some children with autism do not have access to adequate support, and they are calling for immediate intervention. I have given a commitment to work with these people into the future," he added

He continued: "I have met with groups of people, and they have expressed to me how they feel they have been let down by the Government.

“They are very frustrated and annoyed that they are being left behind, even though there are millions available in Exchequer funding.”

The Department of Education has outlined the new circular also aims to clearly indicate the roles and responsibilities of each party in supporting the processes involved.

Cllr O'Brien shared that some educators in Mayo believe the gap between policy and practice has never been more pronounced and urgent action is required.

“The new circular outlines and emphasises the importance of inclusive education, and it highlights the responsibilities of schools to cater for the needs of all students, including those with autism and those supports should be delivered,” Cllr O’Brien concluded.