Parents frustrated over lack of places at Cork special schools

Parents have expressed their frustration and concern over the lack of available places for their children at special schools in Cork and they are calling for urgent action to address the issue.

Andy has a dual diagnosis of autism and an intellectual disability, and is due to leave the school this summer.

Ms Hickey’s concerns were echoed by Claire Madden, who is in a similar situation and has also been advised that there were no places available for her daughter Abbey, who is also turning 12.

Aisling Henebry is also facing a similar situation with her daughter Kayla, who also has a dual diagnosis of autism and an intellectual disability.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on education and Cork South Central TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said he had been contacted by a number of parents who were worried about whether their children would have a place in a special school in Cork in September.

He said that more than 20 children did not have a place in a special school at present and were not in any school. They were most likely receiving home tuition, he said.