Feb 19, 2025, Waterford News and Star: Waterford families stories shared in the Dáil during debate on special school motion
The stories of families affected by the shortage of special school places in Waterford were shared in Dáil Eireann on Tuesday.
Waterford TDs David Cullinane and Conor McGuiness spoke on behalf of the parents who observed from the public gallery.
Deputy Cullinane told the Dáil that one of the parents was refused from 16 different schools.
He said the issue affects between 50 and 60 parents countywide who have done all they can, including contacting schools and linking in with the local SENO. . . .
Deputy Cullinane pointed out that the first act of the Government was to ensure more ministerial positions and allowances.
“The Government has to get its priorities right,” said Deputy Cullinane.
Deputy McGuinness shared a story of one of his constituents, Rebecca, who was in the public gallery, and her five-year-old son Jay.
He read aloud a statement written by Rebecca, wherein she said her child has a constitutional right to an education.
She said there are 19 other families in the same position in Dungarvan, where she is from and just one special school, which is at capacity.
“We are not asking for special treatment, we are just asking that our children be treated the same as every other child in the country - entitled to the highest standard of education to suit their needs. I refuse to accept that my child will not walk through the gates of the special school in Dungarvan in September 2025,” wrote Rebecca.
MOTION
The Dáil was debating a motion put forward by Sinn Fein to recognise the rights of children to an appropriate education, that demand is growing for special education spaces and that not having a place in school creates “trauma and heartbreak” for their families.
The motion also recognises the failure of the previous governments to provide adequate services for these children and calls on them to address the situation.
Minister for Education Helen McEntee proposed an amendment to replace the entire motion except for the first three words, which were “That Dail Eireann.”
She proposed replacing all the wording with the Government noting of the right of children to an education and their commitment to providing places.
The Minister’s amendment further noted that the Government have provided funding of €2.9 billion [$3B] for special education, a 48% increase since 2020.
It also notes increases to SNAs, “strategic initiatives” and ongoing work to provide 400 new special classes and 300 additional special school places for the coming school year.
The amendment calls on the Government, to take “any necessary steps to ensure that every child who needs a special educational place has access to one in a timely manner.”
The Minister in support of her amendment, thanked the deputies for the motion and said she recognised the hardship caused to families.
“I acknowledge that we are starting from a low base, but it is not fair to say nothing has happened or that this is not a priority. We are absolutely committed to making sure that the progress that has been made continues and, most importantly, that all children get the support and the access to education they need,” said Minister McEntee.
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