Mick Clifford: Madigan must be true to her word for the Milnes and other families  

The junior minister for special education has engaged in strong rhetoric over the last 24 hours — now vigilance is required in all sections of society to ensure 'substantive action' is taken on the rights of autistic children

Minister of State for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan said she would ensure that schools are forced to accommodate children with additional needs. File picture: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

At 9.35pm on Tuesday, RTÉ’s Prime Time began broadcasting an item about the Milne family. Darren and Gillian Milne can’t get an appropriate education for 11-year-old twins Ryan and Kyle, who have severe autism. 

Just under five hours earlier, at 4.39pm, Josepha Madigan, the junior minister for special education, tweeted about the issue that would be aired on the programme.