Children with special needs face barriers to quality education – Sorca Clarke TD

Many local children with special needs "still face significant barriers accessing quality eduction", according to Deputy Sorca Clarke.

The Sinn Fein TD was speaking after the announcement by Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar that it is opening a new special education class at the start of the new school year in September.

Deputy Clarke said that while she welcomes the news and congratulates the school, there are many children in Westmeath and around the country whose education needs are not being met due to a shortage of special needs classes.

“While we celebrate this positive step forward for Coláiste Mhuire, we must also remember that across our community and the rest of the country there are still many schools waiting on special needs classrooms and ASD units and many children waiting for school places in these classes.

“Many children still lack access to appropriate resources, trained educators, and the individualised care that is necessary for their academic and social development.

“Results from a survey published by Inclusion Ireland last year found that 45 per cent of children with support needs are being failed in accessing their right to education.

“There is still a major lack of data, lack of assessment, lack of transparency and lack of accountability, which is failing our children.

“The next government must make this a priority. They must take our children’s education, development and future seriously. We need to see more urgency from government on this matter.

“Sinn Féin will continue to push for systemic change. We are determined to ensure that all children, regardless of their needs, have the opportunity to reach their full potential, academically and socially.