Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The parents of children with special needs face a constant battle to find school places for their children. The idea that any child is forced into a lottery for the chance of getting a school place is unthinkable, and yet it is happening. The child's future is down to the luck of the draw. The child whose number does not come up is left behind. The mother of Jay Meehan from Waterford is quoted today in the media as saying it is like playing the EuroMillions for her child's future. Parents are frustrated, exhausted and heartbroken. They are receiving rejection letter after rejection letter. Last week, we tabled a motion calling on the Government to ensure that every child will have access to a school place in September within a reasonable distance of their home. However, the Government opposed the motion and made amendments to dilute that very reasonable demand. Why is it that the Government refuses to guarantee a suitable school place for every child next September?

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