Autism case goes to Supreme Court

The Supreme Court will tomorrow hear an application by lawyers for an autistic man and his mother in the State's appeal against…

The Supreme Court will tomorrow hear an application by lawyers for an autistic man and his mother in the State's appeal against a landmark High Court judgment compelling the State to provide free basic education for the man.

Last Thursday the court was told that lawyers for Mr Jamie Sinnott (23) and his mother, Kathryn, of Ballinhassig, Co Cork, were seeking clarification of "offers" made by the State in advance of the appeal, which is listed for March 27th.

The Minister for Education and Science, Dr Woods, told the Dail last week that the award of damages to the Sinnotts and the provision of education to Mr Sinnott would remain in place regardless of the outcome of the Supreme Court appeal. He said the Sinnotts' costs would also be paid by the State.