Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the shortage of class places for children with additional needs. I am working with multiple families in the west of Dublin. We need urgent reform of the schools admissions process. The Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, has committed to ensuring that any child who is known to the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, and who needs a school place will get one. She has said that more than 360 new special classes will be in place for the coming school year. In welcome news, there will be 39 therapists to work with teachers on a permanent basis across the school community. That is all very welcome but it does not add up to an inclusive school system. Fundamental change and reform is required for children with additional needs.

I am going to be clear about this. We need a total overhaul of the schools admissions process and a functioning forward planning system for all children. It is now June and we do not know where many of the new autism classes are going to be. The NCSE must tell the families concerned as soon as possible. We rightly expect that our children will secure places in their local schools. When they do not, we as politicians are the first to say it is not good enough. Children may miss out on their local or first preference school but will still secure a place in their catchment area. Families of children with additional needs are expected to be grateful for a school place anywhere, even in schools that have dragged their heels in opening a special class. Unless we reform the system, we will continue to set the bar low for children with additional needs. It is not just about a school place; it is about an appropriate school place. All children deserve the support they need to be in school with their brothers, sisters and friends. I have made suggestions to the Minister and I look forward to working with her on them.