The mother of a child with autism has said she is 'thrilled' his local school is to reinstate autism classes following a campaign.
Elbha O'Sullivan from Cork said her eight-year-old son, Cillín, was due to start special classes for autism when his school moved into a new building next year.
She previously told Newstalk she was "flabbergasted" to learn the NCSE (National Council for Special Education) had withdrawn support for those classes.
She said there are no other autism classes for Cillín in the community - and even if there were, it would mean uprooting hm from his siblings and friends.
This morning, she told Newstalk Breakfast that this has since changed.
"I got the confirmation today in writing that the NCSE had reversed a decision," she said.
Eight-year-old son Cillín O’Sullivan. Image: O’Sullivan family"Our school - Douglas Rochestown Educate Together National School - can go ahead and open its autism classes in February '23.
"I'm thrilled for us; I'm thrilled for the 10 families that have been offered places.
"In particular for Cillín; he's very relieved, he's very happy that the right thing has been done.
"So, I'm delighted with the news."
'Cavalier attitude'
Ms O'Sullivan said while she is happy with the outcome, the fact the classes were cancelled at all is frustrating.
"I remain frustrated and upset that it took this to get the decision overturned, that I had to go public," she said.
"I had to go on Newstalk, in print media, I had to ring around all my TDs, and everyone had to make representation to the NCSE on our behalf.
"That indicates to me that the decision to cancel them in the first place was taken with a cavalier attitude, and the effect this had on families wasn't adequately considered.
"I'm glad that the NCSE has seen the error of their ways, and they are now supporting us by wholeheartedly coming behind the school to open those three classes and really support our school in every way that they can," she added.
