The Special Needs Parents Association is calling all parents to attend demonstrations on Wednesday at Market Square in Letterkenny as a local TD called on government representatives to oppose cuts.
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Education Charlie McConalogue is calling on the government TDs in Donegal and across the country to oppose a further 12% cut in education supports for children with special needs.
The Dáil will debate a Fianna Fáil motion over the next two days, calling on the government to reverse what it describes as a ‘deeply damaging cut that will hit every school in the country in September’.
Deputy McConalogue explained: “All Deputies have the opportunity to do the right this week and put a stop to the direct targeting of children with special needs for further cuts in September.
“This motion deplores the 12% cut in resource teaching hours announced last week – a cut that will hit more than 42,500 students with special education needs. The cut directly contradicts the government’s decision to match the increase in pupil numbers with an increase in mainstream teachers in September. We believe that it is unfair and unreasonable that children with special needs are not being given the same treatment.”
The Fianna Fáil motion calls for a corresponding increase in resource teaching hours and Special Needs Assistants to cater for the increase in the school population in September.
It calls on the government to lift the cap on resource teaching and SNAs to ensure that every child with special needs receives at least the same level of support that they received this year.
It also calls on the government to set a strict timeframe for the full implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act and to provide a proper and coordinated framework for the inclusion of all pupils in suitable education settings.
Deputy McConalogue added: “This erosion of special education must stop. I am appealing to all TDs to stand up for local schools and stand up for the most vulnerable children within the school system. Support this motion and ensure that no child with special needs suffers yet another reduction in support when schools resume in September.”
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