Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)

I thank the Labour Party for bringing forward this progressive motion. It is a case of here we go again. We have a shortage of school places for children with special needs, and there are huge gaps. In addition to the obstacles with the lack of nearby school classes in their catchment area, children are experiencing exclusion and extended absences from school. In some cases, they are receiving no supports. The impact of that disengagement from schools is catastrophic for the children and for their families. If a child does not have a place and he or she has a special need or disability, he or she is more likely to be placed on reduced hours. While there has been some investment in this area, we need to see more.

In County Laois, the Government is constantly announcing special classes. There are press releases issued. There are emails sent to all the Government TDs. Nine such classes have been announced, but where will the Minister put them? Many of the schools have made it clear that they do not have the space to provide them. This has to be rectified by September. We have 16 or 17 weeks to get this right. Announcements are no good it there is no space for classes.

The Rock National School, for example, is going to have to find space in the playground for modular classrooms. Management at the school has stated that it will be a challenge to get the new buildings in place by August. The families have contacted the school already. If the classes are oversubscribed, which is likely, the school is on record as stating that there will be a problem. Castlecuffe National School is happy that it is getting the first special needs class but it is facing a situation where it will have to put the children involved into a general purpose classroom or use the PE hall. It is the same in Killeshin. The school there is working to put a contingency plan in place due to the lack of accommodation and is being pressurised to set up in the PE hall. Modular buildings need to be put in place. That is the message I want to give the Minister this morning. Laois is happy to have new classes but the schools involved need the physical space to accommodate them.

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