‘Simply not enough’ ASD units

Political representatives on the northside of Cork city have been urged to support the opening of a new autistic spectrum dis- order (ASD) unit.

It comes as a Sinn Féin TD has been receiving a plethora of calls about placing children in ASD units across the northside.

Deputy Thomas Gould, a TD for Cork North Central, called on his constituency colleagues to support his attempt at opening a new ASD Unit on the northside.

He said: “I have always said I would work constructively in the best interests of the people of Cork and I think that today, we need to come together and petition the minister to compel a school to open an ASD unit in the area. I have contacted my constituency colleagues to request their support in this.”

He added: “According to the National Council for Special Education, there are currently 40 ASD units in Cork North Central but given the number of queries received by my office at this time of year, that is simply not enough.

“Children have a right to access education but particularly they deserve to be able to access education in their own communities where they feel comfortable and safe.

“I would again call on my constituency colleagues to join with me in this important campaign and work together for the children of Cork North Central,” the TD concluded.