Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

In answers to recent parliamentary questions, there has been confirmation that there will be increased demands on the disability services after this school year and that an extra 650 places will be required. Every year, demographic funding has been provided to ensure that children who have intellectual disabilities can get places after the school term has ended. No such guarantee is in place this year. Families are being notified within the next few days as to whether or not there will be places for them.

The Taoiseach has indicated that the HSE governance Bill will not be published until the autumn. The education and training boards Bill may provide a facility to correct this issue, which is causing grave distress to families throughout the country.

A child who does not have an intellectual disability would be guaranteed a school place. People with intellectual disabilities are being deprived of places and their situations are being placed in grave doubt and uncertainty.

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