Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Darren O’Rourke TD, says the delivery of special school and special class places must receive absolute priority focus from the Minister and Department of Education to ensure every child has an appropriate school place for September.

The Meath East TD made the call following questions in the Dáil today, and confirmation that 209 of the 400 planned new special classes have been sanctioned by the NCSE so far.

Parents of children with special educational needs will hold a 24 hour sleepout at the Department of Education tomorrow.

Teachta O’Rourke said:

“While the Minister commits to additional staff and resources to deliver additional places it is incredible that she doesn’t have a full estimation of the demand for September, this despite the fact that there is CSO data, AIMS data, DCA data, NCSE data and report after report submitted by frustrated parents.

“The delivery of special schools and special class places must be priority number one for the minister. This must receive absolute priority focus, including week-by-week, school-by-school progress monitoring.

“While the Minister says she hopes to have sufficient places, we have heard that before, including last year. Despite that it is now confirmed to me that 177 children are currently receiving the home tuition grant while waiting for a special educational placement. This does not include those very many children that have to travel very long distances for an appropriate school place or the very many who are in mainstream schools waiting for a special class.

“There is a protest at the Department of Education scheduled for tomorrow. It is a 24-hour sleep-out by parents who are demanding appropriate places for their children. They should not have to do that. It is disgraceful that they have to. I send them solidarity and tell them that I will certainly do everything I can to push for an appropriate place for every child. That includes a place for this September.

“I am calling on the Minister to ensure there is priority focus on this issue and to ensure every lever is pulled to ensure every child is accommodated. We know, for example, that the delivery of school buildings, including temporary buildings, is often far too slow. The Minister should explore all options to ensure buildings are in place on time. There can be no excuses in September 2025.”