Sir, - We at Dochas (Hope for People with Autism), are calling for the Sinnott Appeal to be dropped.
There is a constitutional right to free primary education; the Constitution states it quite clearly. We at Dochas feel that autistic children have been fobbed off for far too long and that this has turned into a monetary issue rather than one of the individual's right to lifelong care.
It's time for the State to recognise its responsibility in delivering comprehensive services to its autistic residents. No longer will parents be fobbed off with excuses, which fundamentally amount to lack of personnel, funding or knowledge. Parents are ready for the long haul of making the State face its responsibilities to our children. - Yours, etc.,
Pamela Downes, Secretary, Hope for People with Autism Ltd, O'Connell Street, Limerick.