Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Fein MLA disappointed with cuts by Dublin Government on autism centre

Published: 20 May, 2009

Armagh Sinn assembly member Cathal Boylan has said that he is extremely disappointed at the Dublin Government's decision to remove funding from an all-Ireland centre for children with autism in Middletown.

Mr Boylan said,

"I am extremely disappointed by the announcement made by Batt O'Keefe and I am calling on him to honour the commitments which he had originally made for the Middletown Centre of Excellence.

"Although cutbacks may be needed during the current economic climate, such cuts to this centre would be affecting the vulnerable in society and this cannot be justified."

Mr Boylan also welcomed comments from the Minister of Education Caitriona Ruane who said,

"This project has to go ahead, this project will go ahead. It is important, especially in times in economic difficulties, that we don't disadvantage our most vulnerable children, our children on the autistic spectrum."