Autistic children without school places have been “badly let down” by the State, Roderic O’Gorman has admitted.

Protests have taken place over the last few months, with some parents saying they have been rejected from as many as 30 schools.

The Minister for Children and Green Party leader said the systems to identify the needs for particular areas needs to be improved. 

“We know, for example, that in Dublin 15 that we are supporting maybe 30 kids with an AIM worker in early years services,” he said. 

“That is an initial, really useful piece of information that says there is a high-level of need for children with a disability in this area. 

“That is now going to need to be reflected in primary schools and secondary schools.” 

Parents of autistic children protest outside the Dáil about a lack of school places. Image: Eabha Casey/Newstalk

Some parents have accused the State of treating their children like “second class citizens” and Minister O’Gorman agreed that things need to change. 

“These children and their families have been badly let down,” he said. 

“I’ve said it in meetings with them and I’ve said it publicly. 

“That’s why I’ve spent so much time over the last nine months in my own area working closely - particularly with Minister Naughton in terms of how we can ensure we get the appropriate class place for these children.” 

According to the Irish Society for Autism, 1.5% school children in Ireland have been diagnosed with the condition.

Main image: Minister Roderic O'Gorman outside Government Buildings. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie