Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for being here. I am grateful for the opportunity to raise this important matter. Just months before the start of the new school year, we have heard that hundreds of children do not have appropriate school places. AsIAm, the national autism charity, published a survey earlier this month showing that at least 267 children do not have appropriate school places for September. According to the survey, at least 112 children aged between one and six are on waiting lists for an appropriate school place. Just 20% of people who responded have a child with a school place in their locality for September. It is believed that the actual numbers are much higher than this snap survey has shown.

Last month, the Government proposed opening five special educational needs centres in Dublin as an emergency measure to respond to the shortage of suitable school places. I add my voice to those parents and disability organisations who have said this is no solution to a very real problem.

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, IHREC, has also raised concerns about this proposal. IHREC monitors Ireland’s obligation under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and has called on the Department to take a human rights- and equality-based approach. It has called on the Government to ensure mainstream educational provision that is fully inclusive of all people with disabilities. This means making sure children have appropriate school places that meet their needs. This is an education issue, a disability rights issue and a child’s rights issue. As a member of the Joint Committee on Autism, the Joint Committee on Disability Matters and the Joint Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, I have spoken often on how we need to work towards a fully inclusive society that upholds the rights of all our people.

The Minister of State said that she plans to start issuing section 37A orders to schools, if needed, to make sure that spaces are available for children in special classes in schools but we know that is a lengthy process. However, we also know the Oireachtas can pass legislation very quickly when the political will and pressure is there. Is this not an emergency situation that requires an emergency response?

My question is very straightforward. Is the proposal to set up separate special education centres still being considered? I am looking for a straight "Yes" or "No" answer if it is possible. The children, families and their advocates deserve to hear that. If that plan is no longer being considered, will the Minister of State use her authority to enact emergency legislation to make sure the additional special educational units needed in our schools will be there for September?