Madigan accused of ‘disrespect’ after singling out schools over special needs

Principals’ group says Minister of State is wrong in saying four schools identified were not engaging with officialsMinister of State Josepha Madigan said she would be “relentless” in targeting 14 schools across the capital that have 'capacity' to open extra spaces for children with additional needs who cannot find a place elsewhere.

The CEO of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network Páiric Clerkin said Ms Madigan was wrong to name the four schools and rejected the claim that the schools had failed to engage with the Department of Education. “That is not the case”. “We will always do what is right. To do that we need a longer period.” The IPPN would work with the department to ensure every child has a school place, he told RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland.

If forced, Ms Madigan said she will legally compel the schools to open the extra plans under so-called Section 37a powers. The Minister is in talks with the Attorney General about the “emergency legislation.” Earlier this week, a report by the Ombudsman for Children’s Office found that the Department of Education is unacceptably failing children with special educational needs in terms of providing suitable school places, most notably in Dublin and Cork.

“It is evident that many of the listed schools already have special classes and are working towards increased capacity, however they need to be afforded the time to do so,” they said. “September 1st is not a realistic timeframe.”

She's a bit like Liz Truss and Donald Trump. Utterly out of her depth...

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