Hanafin bullying parents of autistic students, says FG

EDUCATION Minister Mary Hanafin was accused last night of “bullying” parents of autistic children who are attempting to secure specialist education for their youngsters.

Fine Gael education spokesman Brian Hayes said the minister’s attitude to parents campaigning for Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) schooling amounted to “my way or no way”, which was “scandalous” in light of the dearth of services for children with autism.

Mr Hayes was speaking in the Dáil on a Fine Gael motion calling on the Government to accept that existing services were inadequate, commit to funding the existing 12 ABA schools paid for by parents, expand the ABA school network and provide an appeals system to allow parents plead their case with the Department of Education.