Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

The parents and professionals who teach these children have conducted much research. They have found that at least 54 children are either on reduced hours - they are not receiving an education - or have applied for home tuition grants. In many cases parents receive a phone call after an hour asking them to collect their child because the school cannot cater for his or her needs. That is only a drop in the ocean and I am sure there are many such cases. We have the potential to provide a unique school with all of the specialist training needed. Jonix which has provided much research and advice in the past is on board and the education and training board has expressed a willingness to support the project. We really need the Government to recognise that this is a need in Dublin West and potentially many other areas. Children have a right to an education. This could happen in September 2019 if temporary accommodation was to be used on the site at the back of Riversdale or another. I ask the Minister to move as quickly as possible.

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