€60,000 Award for Autistic Arklow Boy

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€60,000 Award for Autistic Arklow Boy

Thursday, May 17 2007

Cllr. John Brady of Sinn Féin welcomed today's High Court award of almost €61,000 for six-year-old Seán Ó Cuanacháin of Arklow. The boy suffers from autism and his parents have been trying to get State funding for Seán and other kids with the condition.

"This is a vindication of the brave stance taken by his parents to get the State to look after one of its most vulnerable citizens," Brady said.

The court award was made because of delays made by the HSE in treating Seán. Judge Michael Peart ruled that the HSE had breached its duty of care towards the boy.

"I welcome this ruling. However, it is very unfortunate that his parents were subjected to a lengthy and expensive court ordeal to get treatment for Seán," Brady said.

"News reports said the case ran for 68 days and was the longest running case of its kind. Costs are estimated at between €5 million and €10 million. That is a shameful and inexcusable waste of taxpayers' money. How many children could be treated and prepared for a full and independent life with those kind of resources?" Brady demanded.

Brady is Sinn Féin's general election candidate in the upcoming general election.

Brady also deplored the State's refusal to provide Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) treatment for the child. "The government and the Dept. of Education & Science took a heavy-handed and bullying approach when they refused to provide ABA care for Seán. They tried to intimidate his parents to make an example of them to others who are struggling to look after children in need of care," Brady said.

"St. Catherine's school in Barnacoyle has been refused funding by the Department. Yet the Department funds children in ABA programs in 12 other schools around the State," Brady noted.

"It makes financial sense to treat these kids while they are young. Early treatment may allow them to progress to mainstream education and prevent the need for long-term care," Brady concluded.

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