RIP Laura Buckley Noonan
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07 Sept 2025
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07 Sept 2025
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Laois/Offaly TD Charlie Flanagan has called for equal treatment in the ongoing issue of the return of therapists to special schools in the Laois/Offaly area.
On August 22, The Leinster Express / Laois Live reported that three special schools in Laois and Offaly have not been included in a new pilot programme providing therapists in schools.
It appears that Kolbe Special School, St. Francis Special School, Portlaoise, Portlaoise and Offaly School for Special Education have not made the list.
Deputy Flanagan has been in contact with Minister Norma Foley, Minister Roderic O’Gorman, Minister Ann Rabbitte and Minister Hildegarde Naughton seeking an 'urgent resolution' as the new school term approaches.
“As local TD, I will not tolerate a two-tier system where schools in my constituency loose out. I have requested an urgent meeting with Minister Hildegarde Naughton, and I am calling on Government to resolve this issue," said the TD.
“If the therapists are not appointed immediately to special schools, I want appropriate funding to be allocated to the schools to allow for private therapists to be engaged. “
"The Ministers and senior civil servants that are making these decisions about our children, absolutely will not engage with us. Beyond sending emails, they will not respond to a request for a meeting," Ms Kerrigan explained.
"We can't get access to how this scheme was devised. This lack of communication is exacerbating the problem.
"I think parents of kids with special needs are very understanding. We're also very used to waiting. We understand there's a limited amount of services," Ms Kerrigan explained.
"The people of Laois and Offaly, I will say, are such understanding and supportive of people. We got great support with our campaign to build Kolbe," Ms Kerrigan said.
"The Kolbe school recently got a lovely new building, and we are glad of it- but a school is more than just bricks and mortar. You never know if your loved one is going to need to attend a special school," she finished.
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