Barnacoyle School in Co Wicklow provides autism specific education for children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Over 30 beautiful children attend Barnacoyle and receive life changing skills and education from a talented and dedicated staff. Due to early intervention and expert tuition many of our children go on to successfully integrate in more mainstream education. This weekend the department of Education (under the direction of Minister Batt O'Keeffe) released a statement stating there was no such recognised school as Barnacoyle ABA school and, as a result, it did not form part of talks to establish 13 ABA pilot schools on a permanent basis. This means that funding will not be provided to keep the school functioning as an autism specific school. Despite the fact that Barnacoyle has been a leading light in education for autism for over 5 years, the minister and his department refuse to recognise, fund or support us appropriately. Without such funding for this school our children have no other viable education options. Our vulnerable children are dependant on their specialised tuition and any disruption to their education could wreak irreversible damage, the consequences of which will have to endured for the rest of their lives. Please show your support by signing our petition. Thank you.