Final arguments due in State appeal against Sinnott award

The Supreme Court is to hear the closing presentations today in a landmark legal action which could determine future education policy for mentally and physically-handicapped people.

The Dept of Education is challenging a High Court ruling last year, which awarded £225,000 to 23-year-old autistic Jamie Sinnott, because of the State's failure to provide adequate education.

The Dept is arguing that there is nothing in the constitution which requires it to educate persons over the age of 18.

It is also seeking to overturn an award of £40,000 to his mother for a breach of her constitutional rights and £15,000 in general damages.