Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In recent weeks, I have been contacted by parents in Monksland in south County Roscommon who have no special class place for their children in September. I am told that there are 18 children in Monksland alone who have no school place. Of course, this is just one area. In one case, a mother has tried seven local schools with no luck. Another mother has been told that the only school she can get into would mean a three-hour round trip for her child. Both of their sons have autism. Will the Tánaiste ensure there are special class places for all children who need them by September? Parents are worried sick and stressed and we need more special class places, especially in the Athlone, Ballinasloe and south Roscommon area.

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