Election candidate highlights shortage of special needs school places with Taoiseach

INDEPENDENT general election candidate cllr Aisling Moran has contacted An Taoiseach Simon Harris directly over the chronic shortages of places for children with special needs in schools around Laois.

In her letter cllr Moran said:

“I am writing to you as a matter of profound concern and urgency which requires your personal intervention. It is the issue of the chronic shortage of places in Laois schools for children with special needs and autism.

“I am confident that this is a matter which you will take seriously as it’s something which is close to your own lived experience and concern both politically and personally. I earnestly believe that if there was an intervention by yourself and the overall political will, then there are the resources to resolve this issue, even on a temporary basis until more long term and sustainable solutions can be achieved.” 

She added: “The core issue is the lack of school places both at primary and even more acutely at second level for children with autism and special needs. There is a dire need for the Department of Education to immediately fast track the provision of additional appropriate school places.

“This is exacerbated by the significant increase in those assessed with autism as requiring such supports rising from 1.5% of the school going population in 2018 to almost 4% in the 2022 census. The number of available places, resources, space, and staffing has disastrously failed to keep pace with this demand. There are dozens of children in Laois alone impacted by this distressing situation.

“So bad is the situation now pertaining here in Laois that parents are being advised to take their children to schools in neighbouring counties such as Tipperary and Kildare. That’s such an outrageous response and so absurd it doesn’t warrant a civil answer. Neither does imposing them into a mainstream school environment merit a moment’s consideration. It’s simply not on.” 

Cllr Moran said: “The consequences are the undue stress and lack of educational opportunities and access to school for so many children which is having a detrimental impact on their health, welfare, and overall wellbeing. It is of course an unacceptable worry and burden on their parents and families.

“There is also a need for the State to step in and directly provide psychological assessments for children who may be requiring such supports and interventions, so that they are available promptly and fairly, without imposing any further financial burden on their parents.

“Taoiseach, the case is compelling. The solution is in your hands. I urge you to use your offices to intervene on behalf of these children immediately. They and their parents will be immensely grateful and relieved.” 

The Independent election candidate’s letter to An Taoiseach was co-signed by Laois councillors Tommy Mulligan, Marie Tuohy, Ben Brennan and James Kelly.