Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to speak to this motion on special educational needs. Children have the right not only to a school place but one that is fitting for their educational needs. In north Kildare, I work with the parents of these children in Naas, Sallins, Prosperous, and all the way across to Broadford. I work with them in every town and hinterland in my constituency. I see the parents' advocacy, frustration, worry, and their disbelief at how their bright young children are being failed by this State. Yesterday, some of them met my colleague, Deputy Ó Laoghaire. I thank him for the time he gave them and his work on this Private Member's business. It is not right that parents of children with special educational needs have to become full-time campaigners for the rights of children for an education suited to their needs. Coming to politics from a disabilities background, I know how these fights impact families. They hear that new places can be magicked up by the Minister, but what trained staff will fill them?

Optics rule this Government and any extra school places not tailored to the child are a fig leaf for failure. Suitable school places are not favours, charity or a kindness. They are constitutional rights the Government has a duty to vindicate. The parents whom Deputy Ó Laoghaire and I met yesterday have been fighting long and bitter battles for their children's rights. One hears and sees the toll it takes on their families. To help them, the Minister must publish the real data on how many children do not have a proper school place for September. She must introduce emergency legislation relating to section 37 and guarantee these children a proper school place fitting their educational needs. She must plan for 2023. There must be no more smoke and mirrors or sleight of hand, just fulfilment of rights from beginning to end.

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