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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Special class place in Finglas

Summary

Deputy Boyd Barrett said children enrolled in two special classes at Finglas Parochial National School still had no physical accommodation. After asking whether the children were actually in the school, the Tánaiste said he would speak to the Minister for Education and seek contact with the campaign.

Children with special needs, just like every child, have a right to an appropriate education. I heard the Tánaiste say earlier on that there have been lots of announcements about special classes and places, and even that once the Government gives the green light, these things are delivered. I have been asked by the Equality in Education Dublin North West campaign and my colleague, Councillor Conor Reddy, to raise the issue of Finglas Parochial National School where children were enrolled in two special classes last September but the physical delivery of the classes has not happened. It now looks like it may not happen this September. The parents have written to the Minister seeking a meeting. Apparently this is a mess-up by the project management company not submitting stuff relating to further information to do with the planning permission, and maybe the Department of education's building unit. The children have been enrolled in a class which got the green light but there is no physical building or class and the parents do not know whether their children with special needs will have a classroom to go to this September. They want to meet the Minister, and they would like an affirmative response.

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I thank Deputy Boyd Barrett very much. I know we are not allowed to do a back-and-forth, but could I ask him if the children are in the school?

Comment on this

They are enrolled but there is no physical place for them. There is no physical building.

Comment on this
Simon Harris The Tánaiste Fine Gael

Sure. I thank him for raising the issue on behalf of his colleague, Councillor Reddy. I will speak to the Minister for education today and see if she or somebody on her behalf can engage with the equality in education campaign to see how we can bring progress to this as quickly as possible.

Comment on this