Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, Inclusion Ireland and AsIAm outlined their profound concern following a survey reporting that 35% of disabled children experience seclusion and 27% of disabled children suffer restraint at school. These are children who have been locked in rooms alone, dragged across floors or have been held or lifted against their will. Parents spoke of feeling powerless, in fear of retribution and the removal of vital supports for which they fought long and hard. There is little doubt that the lack of robust guidance and regulation is having a detrimental impact on children with a disability. The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, called for guidelines as far back as 2012, again in 2016 and again in 2018. Draft guidelines are currently with the Ombudsman for Children and Tusla for review, for input. Will the Government ensure these guidelines are child-centred, rights based, robust and enforceable? Children have a right to feel safe in school.

See this speech in context