Wicklow News

Return to News Page

Childers comdemns special education cuts

Nessa Childers, Labour’s MEP candidate in Ireland East visited the Holy Rosary School in Wicklow today to meet students, teachers and parents at the school's Special Education Class. She was accompanied by Labour Party Leader Eamon Gilmore and local TD Liz McManus.

Nessa Childers said: “I saw today what an essential facility this is for the community. The Special Education Class is of huge importance to the pupils and parents and it is a disgrace that they will lose this facility next September due to Government cutbacks.

“I had the opportunity to see the fantastic work of the pupils and the dedication of the staff. If this wonderful learning environment is to be retained the Government needs to change its attitude to education.

“The threat to the Special Education Class here at the Holy Rosary School is symptomatic of the Government's attack on the education budget in both last November's budget and the Emergency budget last month. Ensuring that all of our children are given the education and attention they need is essential for the future of our communities. These cutbacks are a dangerous step backward that targets the vulnerable.

“We cannot let this happen. The decision by Batt O'Keefe to cut special teacher support to over 100 schools means that thousands of pupils will not have the support they need next September. The Minister believes that these Special Needs children should join mainstream classes but this will help nobody. What it will do is increase class sizes and put heavy burden on teachers without the help of a specifically trained Special Needs Assistant.

“These cutbacks must be reversed. Whatever the Exchequer saves from this attack on education it will lose exponentially from its long term effects.”