107. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Education the number of students that will be enrolled into the interim special school in County Monaghan in September 2025; if there is capacity at the site of that school to increase enrolment numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17182/25]

Sentiment score: 0.22

This time last year, we were told there was no need for a special school in County Monaghan. It took a sustained and dignified campaign by families of children with disabilities, which others and I were proud to support, to lead to the announcement that an interim special school would open in Castleblayney this coming September. Will the Minister of State give an assurance that every child that needs a place in that school will receive one?

Sentiment score: 0.45

I congratulate the Minister of State on his appointment. To give him some background, last January, I organised a public meeting for families and children with disabilities. We were specifically told by the NCSE at that stage that there were no plans for a special school in Monaghan. For months thereafter, we were told there was a process to decide the locations of special schools, yet no one could ever outline what the process involved or any of the criteria that would apply. Finally, in the mouth of a general election, an announcement was made. It is clear that the process and the criteria came down to political pressure. The Minister of State has stated that the special school will initially admit 18 students. Can he clarify how many applications were received on the deadline last week? It is critically important the Minister of State gives us an assurance now that families will not have to start campaigning again before the new school is even open to ensure sufficient capacity at that school.

Sentiment score: 0.23

As the Minister of State is aware, parents slept outside the gates of Leinster House last week demanding the most basic of human rights, that is, a school place for their child. I met them. I do not know whether the Minister of State got the opportunity to do so but if he did, he would have heard horror stories of children being left behind by the Government and a failed system. I was particularly disturbed to hear from areas where interim schools were established many years ago on the promise of a permanent school that has yet to come, resulting in inadequate capacity in sometimes unsuitable premises. That will not be tolerated in Monaghan, just as it should not be tolerated or accepted anywhere. The fight to deliver this school went on for far too long already. There will be 18 places in September, which I acknowledge is 18 more than last year. That is very welcome. We need the plans for the permanent school to start right now, however. We need the Minister of State to promise – and I have to say this again - that every child who needs a place in the special school in Monaghan will actually get one. I urge the Minister of State to bring himself to a position where he can make that promise as soon as possible.

Sentiment score: -0.02