Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has welcomed the announcement of additional special education classes, but warned that the government must match ambition with action by properly resourcing staff training and supporting families on the ground.<\/p>\n
Deputy Cummins, who represents Dublin South Central and is the party\u2019s spokesperson on education, said:<\/p>\n
\u201cThe news of 375 new special education classes looks positive on paper. However, too many families across Ireland and in Dublin South Central know that these numbers often don\u2019t translate into real places.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have spoken to parents from across the country who are still waiting to hear if their child will have a place next year \u2013 such uncertainty is heartbreaking for families.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe government has been far too slow in scaling up college training places for vital therapies such as speech and language, occupational therapy and psychological services, despite this being a programme for government commitment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot talk about inclusion without talking about staffing. These classes must be fully resourced \u2013 that means SNAs, therapists, and properly trained teachers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe expansion in college places for therapy disciplines is welcome, but it has been too slow, and comes too late for many families.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn a speech last night, Minister McEntee also referenced the need to support parents. However, she must move beyond the headlines and start delivering practical supports for families.<\/p>\n
\u201cParents are exhausted from having to advocate constantly for their children\u2019s rights. What they need is a system that works \u2013 one that is timely, fully staffed, and responsive to their needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
April 9, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Social Democrats TD Jen Cummins has welcomed the announcement of additional special education classes, but warned that the government must match ambition with action by properly resourcing staff training and supporting families on the ground. Deputy Cummins, who represents Dublin South Central and is the party\u2019s spokesperson on education, said: \u201cThe news of 375 new […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":11586,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[218,581,7,678],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12085","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","category-jen-cummins","category-press-release","category-special-education"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n