Grassroots campaign suggested by Kildare TD and parents on this complex issue
The representative was critical of the government's approach
A grassroots campaign in County Kildare has been suggested in relation to the issue of school places in Kildare for children with special education needs (SEN).
Explaining how the call came about, Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh, who is aligned with Sinn Féin, asserted that she had recently met with parents of children with SEN who are struggling to secure appropriate school places across Kildare.
She explained that during the meeting, which was held last week, she heard "deeply personal stories from parents describing their frustration with the current system".
According to the Kildare town-based politician, who also has a background in teaching and is her party's spokesperson on matters relating to special education, many of these parents highlighted a "lack of transparency, the overwhelming paperwork, and the constant uncertainty families are forced to endure".
She elaborated: "A consistent theme among parents was the pressure to accept unsuitable placements in mainstream schools, simply due to a lack of appropriate options.
"The government is trying to push these children into mainstream schools with inappropriate school places. This is simply not good enough."
POTENTIAL PROTEST
Deputy Ní Raghallaigh also said that future actions discussed at the meeting included the possibility of a protest at the Department of Education in Dublin or a potential local demonstration in Kildare.
"These children deserve quality education, which they are currently not receiving," she said. "Their parents are out fighting the government and their departments daily to ensure their child gets an appropriate education."
In addition, she also voiced her belief that a grassroots campaign was needed: "We need a campaign driven by parents, for parents — so that the government understands that their system of allocating SEN places and classes is simply not working."
Deputy Ní Raghallaigh also told the attendees that she was committed to submitting Parliamentary Questions on behalf of the group and inviting them to Leinster House to continue their advocacy.
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh TD (Sinn Féin). File photograph