The Irish Autism Alliance is disgusted by the Supreme Court decision in the Jamie Sinnott case because, fundamentally, it states that because Jamie is 23 he is not entitled to an education.

Jamie is profoundly autistic to the extent that tasks normally mastered by young children are beyond his grasp.

The Constitution clearly states that all children are entitled to a free primary education. Jamie Sinnott, and many others like him, never received a free primary education, and this judgment means that they never will.

The fact is that parents of children with autism are faced with constant battles to get any services for their children, and in many cases, and have to engage in lengthy legal struggles to secure their children's inalienable rights.

Yesterday's Supreme Court judgment shows a total lack of understanding of the problems people face. We wish to endorse fully Mr Justice Barr's findings in the High Court. After 28 days of testimony from both sides, and reviewing the evidence, he was highly critical of inaction by this Government - and by previous governments - in providing Jamie with his constitutional rights.

It is our belief that in the case of special needs children, the Government should provide an education for as long as the child benefits from it.

The O'Donoghue case in 1993 served notice on the Government that the right to an appropriate education, regardless of age or disability, was enshrined in our Constitution.

In the eight years since that judgment, governments have systematically abused the courts by forcing parents into protracted legal battles to secure appropriate education for their children.

It has been the experience of our members that when they persevere with these cases, settlements are normally made in their favour.

As of today, the Irish Autism Alliance calls on all political parties to announce policies for dealing with autism.

Specifically we call for:

Biomedical research into autism and its causes.

The establishment of a diagnostic body, independent of service providers, which is empowered to give a statement of needs to each person with autism. This is defined as an immediate assessment of each individual's health, education and therapeutic needs following diagnosis.

An all-Ireland development plan for the provision of autism-related services.

A Government response which offers parents a quality choice of internationally recognised teaching methods when seeking the appropriate education for their children.

In conclusion the Irish Autism Alliance hereby pledges that it will continue to fight for the rights of Jamie Sinnott and the hundreds of other people with autism in this country.

Anyone wishing to contact the Irish Autism Alliance may do so by calling (Dublin) 01-661 7394; (Galway) 091-820 905; or (Northern Ireland) 048-4483 9619.

Cormac Rennick is PRO of the Irish Autism Alliance which represents 15 parent groups dealing with autism in the Republic and Northern Ireland