Dublin Bay North TDs criticise Department for leaving Stapolin ENTS out of special class plan

Dublin Bay North TDs Cian O’Callaghan and Barry Heneghan have expressed concern that Stapolin Educate Together National School have been left out of the government’s plans for additional special classes.

Last week, the government announced a wave of additional special classes for schools across Ireland, including ones in Dublin Bay North.

Manor House Secondary School in Raheny, Grace Park Educate Together National School, St Mary’s Secondary School in Baldoyle, and St Brigid’s Girls National School in Killester were all listed as receiving extra classes this week, but Stapolin was left out. 

Local Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan said “whilst welcomed, this (the extra classes) falls well short of what is needed to actually meet the growing demand for special education places in our community.”

He said “it was so disappointing to see that Stapolin ETNS were not included in this recent announcement after tirelessly campaigning for two additional autism classes to meet the clear, and growing need for special education places in their local area.”

“Parents, and their children cannot wait any longer for an appropriate school place. The Department of Education must publish the full list of sanctioned special education classes so that schools and parents can make preparations for the new school year now,” he said.

Independent TD Barry Heneghan added, “Stapolin ETNS has a clear and well-evidenced need for new additional Autism Classes. I fully support the school’s campaign and effort to urgently secure the additional autism classes”

Heneghan criticised the “uneven and uncertain nature of special education planning,” saying “families need clarity, certainty, and timely decisions, not a system where some urgent needs are met while others are left waiting.”

“I will continue to press the Department of Education and the NCSE to urgently review the position of Stapolin ETNS and to ensure that every child in Dublin Bay North who needs a special class place can access one locally and without unnecessary delay,” he said.

All five Dublin Bay North TDs (O’Callaghan, Heneghan, Brabazon, Mitchell, Ó’Muirí), have made a concentrated effort to secure more facilities for the Baldoyle school.

Since the government was formed last January, TDs from both government and opposition camps have campaigned for the Dublin 13 school, visiting the school, raising the issues on numerous occasions in the Dáil, and joining protests alongside students and staff members outside the Dáil.