His family has spent months appealing the decision through the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), but with just weeks to go, they still do not know if the appeal has been successful.

The identity of parents or guardians, the children or the schools involved may not be published by order of the court.

It was claimed the defendants breached his rights by failing to make available compulsory education for him between the ages of 15 and 18.

Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald said parents in Co Monaghan have fought a long campaign for a special school in the county

Heartbroken Germaine and Alan Colgan have spent two years desperately searching for a school place for her son Daniel but have been told all schools for children with autism are completely full.