No special needs education facilities for more than 160 autistic children, court hears

Parents of six autistic children given leave to apply for orders to receive proper education 

Education Minister Norma Foley. One of the parents whose child has no school place said she had been left in an intolerable position by the Department of Education. 

Parents and guardians of more than 160 autistic children have been told the State has no special needs educational facilities for them weeks after the start of the school term, the High Court heard on Friday.

Ms Justice Margaret Bolger granted leave to half a dozen applicants to apply for orders directing Education Minister Norma Foley and the National Council for Special Education to provide them with adequate and appropriate school education.