Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for attending. Last week, I tabled a Commencement matter on special schools that was answered by the Minster of State at the Department of Education, Deputy Josepha Madigan. Today, I have heard Mr. Kearney speak about special schools in the cities of Cork and Dublin. What does he mean by the term "special school"? I will ask him what I asked the Minister of State last week. Is the proposal to open five special schools in Dublin still being considered? I ask because students, parents and organisations need to hear the answer.

Personally, I believe it should be against the law to provide special schools for children with disabilities or additional needs because that puts them into boxes, which is what was done to Travellers years ago. As I said last Wednesday, there used to be special schools for Travellers. That was why many members of the Traveller community could not read or write. Instead of being educated, they were being washed and cleaned in school settings. This is not the conversation for it, but I probably know more than anybody else around this table what special schools can do to communities. I know from my work with some of the disability organisations that they do not want special schools. People with disabilities also do not want special schools. I am interested to know who the NCSE is working with to create special schools and who has requested them?

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission does not agree with special schools because they form a breach of human rights and equality legislation. There has been talk about the provision of special classes and supports in the cities of Cork and Dublin. There are children with special educational needs in rural Ireland and they also need services.

The SNAs are looking to be valued by the education system and that is nowhere in sight. A few weeks ago SNAs attended a committee here to explain why their work should be valued and why they should be recognised as a profession.

AsIAm published a snap survey, and according to that, 267 children do not have a school place for September and 112 children can be between one to six years on a waiting list.

I welcome the establishment of this committee and look forward to working with my colleagues to bring about equality for people with autism.