Lawyers for the mother of a five-year-old child with autism who says he was left without a school place this year “solely” because of the requirement told Judge Sara Phelan on Monday.

The 30 students aged from four to 18 remained at home on Thursday and Friday last as many of those working at the school in Killeshin stayed out in support of secretary Yvonne Abbey.

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