Special Educational Needs
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-22
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Rory Hearne (SD), Dublin North-West

I reiterate that it is important that the project is delivered for Finglas Parochial National School as soon as possible. I really do think the parents deserve a very clear date as to when that will happen. My understanding is that it was committed to be delivered in September and we are getting very close to the end of September. It really should be in place.
I want to go back to the specific case I raised, which I also raised with the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan. I am really disappointed with the Minister of State's response, which is absolutely inadequate. There is a child who does not have a school place. This is a child with autism who, as I very clearly outlined, has a need which has been identified. His mother is at breaking point. As the Minister of State has set out, the NCSE and the Department are turning to the 2027-2028 school year but children do not have a place in this current school year. This is absolutely unacceptable. What this mother is being put through is wrong.
It is deeply disappointing that the Minister of State with responsibility is not here and has not provided a satisfactory reply. I really do want a commitment from the Minister of State with responsibility that Roman will be in school within a week and will have a school place. I do not feel it is acceptable that any child is going into October without a school place or any prospect of a school place. It is absolutely wrong and I really think the Minister should accept this situation as being an absolutely dire emergency and act accordingly. I ask the Minister of State to bring this back and raise the issue. I do want answers because it is not clear with regard to children who are on reduced school hours and what they need to ensure they and their parents have adequate supports.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-09-22/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:49+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-22