Courts / Ireland / Report

High Court told school placement for autistic child not suitable for his needs

Summary

A High Court action was brought on behalf of a primary‑school‑aged boy with autism and a moderate intellectual disability, whose current school placement is deemed unsuitable. The boy has speech and language delay and requires significant adult assistance. A psychologist from the National Educational Psychological Service assessed him and recommended an Autism Spectrum Disorder‑specific school placement. The family has applied to twelve schools, all of which are full, and has sought help from the Department of Education. They claim this lack of access breaches the boy's rights to an adequate education under the Constitution, the 1998 Education Act and the 2004 Special Education Needs Act. The case, represented by Derek Shortall SC and Paul Gunning BL, seeks an order compelling the Minister for Education, the National Council for Special Education and the Attorney General to provide an appropriate placement within a court‑directed period, and a declaration that the respondents have failed in their duty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: High Court told school placement for autistic child not suitable for his needs. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• 2024-07-05 Publication

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report