Courts / Ireland / Report

Teen with special education needs cannot get school placement, court hears

Summary

An Irish-born teenager with Autism Spectrum Disorder, who had lived abroad for over 15 years, returned to Ireland with his family earlier this year. He has been unable to secure a suitable school placement, as schools either lack the necessary facilities or have him on waiting lists. One school cited a shortage of special needs assistants; a Special Education Needs Officer said no assessment of his educational needs had been carried out, with the earliest possible assessment scheduled four to five months away. The family claims the State has failed to provide a free, adequate education or reasonable aid for private schooling. The teen, represented by Derek Shortall SC, has sued the Minister for Education, Ireland and the Attorney General, seeking an order compelling the Minister to provide an adequate placement and a declaration that the Minister has not discharged her duty under Article 42 of the Constitution and the 2004 and 1998 Education Acts.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teen with special education needs cannot get school placement, court hears. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2004 and 1998 Other
• 2021-12-13 Publication

Why: The court also heard that the boy's family were told by a Special Education Needs Officer that the boy may not get a placement because of an assessment of his educational needs has not been carried out. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report