All five Dublin Bay North TDs have issued a joint statement calling for new autism classes to be provided at Stapolin Educate Together National School.
The campaign for an extra class at the Baldoyle school has gained momentum in recent weeks after the school was left out of plans by the Department of Education for additional autism classes.
The Dublin 13 school were left out of the announcement, despite other schools 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) receiving additional classes.
Now, all 5 Dublin Bay North TDs (Tom Brabazon, Barry Heneghan, Denise Mitchell, Cian O’Callaghan and Naoise Ó Muirí) have put out a joint statement and called for the issue to be rectified.
The statement from both the government and opposition TDs read “Stapolin ETNS needs new modular units for urgently needed autism classes.”
“The school has sufficient space on its grounds for the modular units and experienced staff ready to support the opening of the two new classrooms.
The statement said, “with huge demand in the local area, it is essential that these modular units are approved without delay.
“The Department of Education and Youth has informed the school that it is willing to sanction the two new autism classes in principle and provide the necessary staffing, however, the Department has also stated that it will not provide any new buildings for these classes.”
It noted that the school has no unused classrooms and no capacity within its existing building to host the additional classes.
“Without new classroom space, it is simply not possible to provide these children with an appropriate school place,” they said, and called on the Department of Education to rectify the issue.
“Every practical requirement has been met by the school. The only outstanding issue is the approval for the modular buildings.
“Children with autism have the same right to an education as any other child. They cannot be left waiting any longer,” the TDs said.