Labour Calls for Centralised School Admissions System Following Dublin 15 Special Education Report
Labour Calls for Centralised School Admissions System Following Dublin 15 Special Education Report - The Labour Party
Labour Party Spokesperson on Education Eoghan Kenny TD has called for the introduction of a centralised school admissions system following the publication of the Taskforce Report on special education provision in Dublin 15.
The report highlights major gaps in forward planning, communication and support services for children with special educational needs, while also identifying the need for significant additional special class and special school capacity in Dublin 15.
Commenting on the report, Eoghan Kenny TD said:
“This report confirms what parents across Dublin 15 and beyond have been saying for years, families are being left to fight for school places and supports that should already be there as a basic right.”
Deputy Kenny said the current admissions process places an unfair burden on families and pointed to Labour’s proposal for a centralised application system for all school places.
“Labour believes the State must take a much more active role in school admissions and forward planning. Parents should not be left applying to multiple schools and collecting rejection letters just to secure an education for their child. A centralised application system would help ensure fairer access, earlier planning and less pressure on families.”
The Taskforce report notes that parents are currently forced to apply to multiple schools for special class placements, creating major stress and uncertainty for families.
Deputy Kenny added that the report must now lead to concrete action from Government.
“This report cannot be allowed gather dust. We now need urgent action to expand special education provision, improve planning and deliver the certainty and support that children and families deserve.”