TD calls for restoration of special class

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Education and Youth and TD for North Tipperary, Ryan O’Meara advocates for the restoration of the Mild General Learning Disabilities class in CBS Nenagh Primary School.

At the joint committee for Education and Youth, Deputy O’Meara spoke to the Minister for Special Education, Micheal Moynihan, highlighting the need for the mild general learning disability class in Nenagh CBS Primary School to be restored. Deputy O’Meara stated that this is an issue of importance to the people he represents in North Tipperary and particularly in Nenagh.

Minister Moynihan visited Nenagh CBS Primary School, last March to officially open their new special class. Speaking at the committee, Deputy O’Meara said, “There's great news that the CBS Nenagh are getting another special class this coming September. We're getting the new special school in Nenagh under the patronage of Tipperary ETB, and the secondary school right next door, Nenagh CBS Secondary School, is also opening special classes.

“However, minister, the CBS Primary School is losing their Mild General Learning Disabilities class which has been in place since 1970. It's the only option available to parents in North Tipperary for children with a mild general learning, diagnosis and the next closest school is in Cashel which is over 40 kilometres from Nenagh.”

The concerns of a local parent were mentioned by the deputy when he said: “Their child does not have an autism diagnosis, so they don't qualify for the new special classes in the CBS Primary School or indeed the new special school in Nenagh. The only option for them is now to go to Cashel.”

Deputy O’Meara stated that “we cannot rob Peter to pay Paul when it comes to this issue. Down Syndrome Ireland are raising this issue and children with Down Syndrome who do not have an ASD diagnosis are struggling to find appropriate education, close to them. “

This topic was further discussed by Deputy O’Meara with the Minister for Education, Helen McEntee later stating that he “cannot accept that there isn’t a demand for this class as there are no other Mild General Learning Disabilities classes in North Tipperary.

The Fianna Fáil TD expressed that he believes there is time to reverse the closure of the mild general learning disability class in the CBS Nenagh. Concluding his argument, he stated “I think it would allow more inclusive education for children without an ASD diagnosis, but in need of special education support, from this coming September.”