Claims special needs students are being forced from local communities

The Department of Education is being questioned on why children with special needs are not able to attend their local school.

Independent Councillor Brendan Fay said some local children are being “denied” access to their local school and claimed they are being “bussed” out of their local communities.

In a motion put before Cavan County Council, he asked “why some schools are being overlooked for Autism Spectrum Disorder classes”.

He said there isn’t a “need to build special classes” at every school, noting teachers “go above and beyond” to cater for all students.

Cllr Fay claimed ASD classrooms have been built at schools, which have no children with special needs, while others are left without them.

He cited Scoil Bhríde in Killeshandra as a school without the facilities it needs. That school received approval for an Early Intervention Unit the day of the meeting. It’s understood it will cater for children who “have complex developmental needs”.

He claimed children are being “bussed” to other schools across the county and, in one case, being taken to a school outside of the county.

Cllr Seán Smith (FF) backed the motion, noting an “increased demand” for special classes.

Fine Gael’s Peter McVitty also supported the motion.

“Some children can go to mainstream schools and some can’t. Special units closer to people’s homes make an awful difference.”

He also said secondary schools need supports and facilities too, noting the controversial new secondary school proposed for Ballyconnell had dedicated facilities for autism and disabilities.

Cllr Clifford Kelly (FF) said “children were treated very badly. I’m delighted it’s stopped.” He also commented that all new school builds approved by the Department of Education contain dedicated special needs facilities. Cathaoirleach John Paul Feeley wrapped up the discussion noting “all agree they [special units] should be as close as possible”.