Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Sorca Clarke TD, has said that there needs to be urgent action to address the enrolment crisis facing children with special needs.
Latest figures indicate that more than 120 children with special needs are yet to secure a school place at the start of the 2024/25 school year.
Teachta Clarke said:
“Every child, regardless of their needs has a right to access quality education. However, an alarming number of families are currently struggling to secure appropriate school placements for their children with special needs.
“This is completely unacceptable and highlights systemic shortcomings that must be addressed immediately.
“Children with special needs often require tailored support and inclusive environments to thrive academically, socially and emotionally. The longer they are left without a school place, the more they will fall behind their peers, not only academically but also in their overall development.
“The absence of suitable school placements when children need them creates long-term consequences for their development. We cannot allow for this crisis to escalate any further. It is unfair on families and unfair on our children.
“This is not a new phenomenon. This has been happening for years, yet government has consistently failed families by failing to act.
“Advance planning must be undertaken to guarantee sufficient, appropriate school places for children with special needs in their communities.
“Sinn Féin’s Education (Amendment) Bill 2024 would allow for a changing of schools’ admissions policies. This would allow parents to apply for places for their children two years prior to their attending school. It would also give schools time to plan in advance and ensure that the necessary supports that are required are in place for the children before they start school. Waiting until a child is already facing difficulties to provide the correct supports is unacceptable and undermines their ability to thrive. Schools must be equipped to meet the needs of every child from day one.
“Our Bill would also ensure that schools know exactly how many people may be applying for places for their children within a specific unit.
“Minister Foley has had ample time to tackle this crisis, yet things only seem to have gotten worse. Each day this government is in power more and more children fall between the cracks.
“Our children deserve better. Government cannot continue to fail these children. Sinn Féin has set out the solutions to this issue. Our plan would make a real difference to families’ lives. A Sinn Féin government would stand up for children with special needs and their families.”
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