‘As local TD, I will not tolerate a two-tier system where schools in my constituency lose out’

A Laois TD has hit out at his own Government, saying he “will not tolerate a two-tier system” with regards to special needs education.

Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan called for “equal treatment” in the ongoing issue of returning therapists to special schools across the Ireland.

Deputy Flanagan highlighted the omissions of Kolbe Special School and St Francis Special School in the Government’s new initiative on the provision of therapists to the schools.

It follows an announcement unveiling the first phase of special schools included in the enhanced in-school therapy supports pilot.

Phase 1 is comprised of four schools in Cork and two in Dublin, with an additional ten schools in the two counties due to be added on a phased basis during the 2024/25 school year.

The Government say special schools not included in Phase 1 of the pilot will be considered for selection as part of the Phase 2.

This means schools in Laois would not be brought into the program until the 2025/26 school year at the earliest.

“As local TD, I will not tolerate a two-tier system where schools in my constituency lose out,” Deputy Flanagan said.

“I have requested an urgent meeting with Minister Hildegarde Naughton, and I am calling on Government to resolve this issue.”

Deputy Flanagan says he has been in contact with all four Government Ministers overseeing the new program, seeking “an urgent resolution” as the new school term approaches.

These include Minister for Education Norma Foley; Minister for Health Hildegarde Naughton; Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman; and Minister of State at the same Department, Anne Rabbitte.

“If the therapists are not appointed immediately to special schools,” Deputy Flanagan said, “I want appropriate funding to be allocated to the schools to allow for private therapists to be engaged.”

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