Government must stop playing politics with special education places
Government must stop playing politics with special education places - The Labour Party
Labour education spokesperson Eoghan Kenny TD, speaking in the Dáil today, has slammed Government for playing politics on the national list of the 168 new special classes promised for the 2026/27 academic year, warning that secrecy and political point scoring are creating anxiety for families, confusion for schools, and uncertainty for children who need supports.
Deputy Eoghan Kenny said:
“Today in the Dáil I raised the deeply concerning way the Government has handled its announcement of 168 new special classes for the 2026/27 school year. Families were told these classes were coming, but instead of openness and clarity, we have seen a drip feeding of information by Ministers and Government backbench TDs, each revealing details about their own constituencies. That is no way to manage something as sensitive and important as special needs education.
“School principals are contacting me directly, asking whether I know if their school is getting a special class, which is outrageous. It is impossible to avoid the conclusion that Government TDs were lined up to make the first announcements about special classes in their own areas. That looks and feels like politics being played with children’s education.
“Special needs education is not a photo opportunity or a constituency press release. It is about ensuring children with additional needs have a place in a school, close to home, with the support they require to thrive.”