No child should be left without a school place – Darren O’Rourke TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Education, Darren O’Rourke TD, has condemned the government’s rejection of Sinn Féin’s motion tonight to ensure that every child with special educational needs has a school place in their locality, describing it as a failure to uphold children’s right to education.

Teachta O’Rourke said:

“The government’s refusal tonight to commit to a concrete timeline for delivering school places for all children, particularly those with additional needs, is deeply frustrating and unacceptable.

“Despite their weak commitment, the government must ensure that no child is left without a school place. Parents are exhausted and heartbroken, receiving rejection letter after rejection letter, while their children are being denied what every other child takes for granted – a suitable school place.

“Sinn Féin’s motion called on the government to guarantee that every child currently without a suitable school place, and all those due to start primary or secondary school in September, would have access to a school place within a reasonable distance from their home.

“Instead, the government replaced strong language and firm commitments with vague promises about places being made available ‘in a timely manner.’ This is simply not good enough and will leave parents worried that this year will be no different from the last.

“The current shortage of school places, particularly for children with additional needs, is causing enormous stress and heartbreak for families across the state. Successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments have failed to adequately plan for and invest in the expansion of school places, leading to yet another year of crisis in our education system.

“The lack of coordination between the Department of Education, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), and schools has resulted in a fragmented and inefficient system. This disproportionately impacts children from disadvantaged backgrounds, who face even greater barriers to accessing suitable education.

“Sinn Féin will not stand idly by while children are left without the education they deserve. The party will persevere and persist in holding this government to account. These children deserve nothing less.

“The government must take immediate action to expand the number of school places, special classes, and special education teaching hours across the state. Every child deserves access to education, and Sinn Féin will continue to fight to ensure that no child is left behind.”