Applicants for autism assistance dogs programme filled within an hour

An assistance dogs programme specifically for children with autism reached its full capacity within one hour of Irish Guide Dogs reopening the service to new applicants for the first time since 2013.

After closing the programme to new applicants three years ago due to a high level of demand, Irish Guide Dogs reopened the service to more families this week.

With all positions on the programme filled within such a short space of time, the charity says it does not have the money to expand the service further to meet the demand that is out there.