In response to the continued inaction of the Department of Education on the issue of funding and recognition for ABA schools issue Irish Autism Action held a protest march on Friday 27th April. Participants marched to Leinster House to highlight the plight of children and adults with special needs.

A large number of people travelled from County Wicklow to support the protest. A spokesperson for the Barnacoyle Parents Group stated that "the numbers of people in attendance from all over the country confirmed that this is a national issue and that the group will be highlighting the difficulties faced by persons with special needs in advance of the general election."

The demonstration was addressed by Kathy Sinnott, MEP, and she stated that she would use her position as vice president of the EU Petitions Committee to highlight the Governments lack of support for ABA school. "Our Government really do not care what we think, but they do care what the Europe is thinking about them" said Ms. Sinnott. The EU Petitions Committee is charged with granting hearings to petitions forwarded to it and cam then decide to visit to investigate first hand the merits of any case. Ms. Sinnott called on each family to write a formal letter to her which she will then forward to the Petitions Committee.

The Chairman of Irish Autism Action, Cormac Rennick called on demonstrators to help make ABA schooling and special needs education an election issue, even for those households not directly affected.

At Leinster House 347 black balloons were released to represent a child with autism whose education is in jeopardy due to the policy of the Department of Education.