Families left without special education places appeal to Minister

Three Dublin children with additional needs remain without appropriate school places despite repeated applications, their families said today.

Social Democrats TDs Rory Hearne and Jen Cummins handed in a letter today to the Minister for Education on behalf of the children – Riley McMahon from Ballymun, and Lucy Lowry and Teddy Whelan from Finglas.

Deputy Hearne said the situation is “heartbreaking and stressful” for the families, who have been left in limbo at the start of the new school term.

Riley McMahon, who is autistic and has an intellectual disability, was refused by 13 different special schools.

A parliamentary question on his case has been referred to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) but no response has yet been received.

After 28 applications, Lucy Lowry was offered a placement in an autism class last March.

But her parents say the school building works are not finished and no interim solution has been provided.

Lucy is now at home, watching her sister go to school each morning, which her family says is causing growing distress.

Teddy Whelan has also faced repeated refusals from special schools.

He was recently offered a place at St Canice’s BNS, but his parents say they have received no information on a start date while building works continue.

Deputy Hearne urged the Minister and the NCSE to act swiftly: “These children are most in need of appropriate school places and routines. Parents should not have to fight this hard to secure their child’s constitutional right to education.”

Deputy Cummins added: “The Minister previously gave assurances that children would have school places in time for September. Given these cases, that assurance now rings hollow.”