Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is very welcome to the Chamber today to take my Commencement matter. To put it simply, we are looking for extra capacity within the special schools in Longford to cater for kids who have that need. While I welcome the significant investment by Government, particularly over the last number of years through the Department of Education and the roll-out of extra special classes in both the primary and post-primary system within the county, there are still those kids who have a greater need.We have two general mild learning difficulty classes in one of our post-primary schools, but it is my understanding that the Department is not looking at opening any additional classes in any of the rest of the schools in the county. Such classes are needed by those kids who have particularly severe difficulties and require the support that a special school gives. I know a number of parents who are in that position and are unfortunately being told that there is not capacity for their child to go to a special school. Those kids are in special classes in some of our primary and post-primary schools. They are being well looked after but they need extra care to give them the potential to maximise their potential.

That is my ask. I have spoken with the SENO, who is well aware of the significant number of parents who are in this position. There is a need, and it is incumbent on us to make sure that we cater for that need. We do not need a situation where kids are not able to access the proper educational facilities that they need. I am the Chairman of the joint Oireachtas committee, which had a significant amount of engagement with parents' groups, schools, unions etc. An issue that was raised with us was that a significant number of special schools were not participating in the summer programme, which is needed for parents, families and particularly kids who have the highest need, and need the highest level of support. We have made significant changes in that regard. An increased number of schools took part in the summer of 2023 but not enough. It is my view that all schools, and all special schools, should provide a full four-week programme. That is something we are calling for in the all-party parliamentary group on autism. We want to make sure every school provides that programme. It is important that every child who needs to access that in a school has the capacity to do so. In my own county of Longford, there are kids who are not able to get that support. We need to put in place the required funding and supports to make sure extra places are there for those children and their families.