Cork school calls on minister to release funds to allow for return of therapists 

The minister of state for disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, has been urged to keep a promise made to the parents and teachers of St Killian’s Special School ahead of the upcoming academic year.

She has been called on to release funding that would fund the return of therapists to the school on Cork’s northside.

The principal of St Killian’s, Sue Lenihan, told The Echo that a multi-disciplinary team of therapists from a reputable company used by the HSE was ready to come to the school in September.

The sum involved, €150,000, was promised by Ms Rabbitte to a delegation from the school, including parents and the principal, which met with her in Leinster House last November.

They were told that the sum was less than 2% of the unspent budget dedicated to disability services in the department.

The demand to deliver on the promise comes following the announcement that four schools from Cork are to be included in a pilot scheme which would see therapists return to schools this term.

The schools were eventually named as St Paul’s Special School, Montenotte; Our Lady of Good Counsel Special School, Ballincollig; Rochestown Special School; and Carrigaline Community Special School.

Ms Lenihan, as well as the parents of the 104 children attending St Killian’s Special School, said they were extremely disappointed not to be included, and a protest is planned for tomorrow at the school.

“We went to the meeting, we were told there was money available, and that other schools were undertaking the same process,” said Ms Lenihan.

“We were told if we found a provider and put a proposal together that it would be looked at and the money would be there,” she added, saying that they were told that it would be able to start within weeks.

Cork North Central Sinn Féin TD Thomas Gould said that Minister Rabbitte should deliver on the promises made to the school, irrespective of the pilot scheme.

“What we’re asking now is, if the money is there and we know it is, that the Minister would authorise the spending of €150,000 to the school so they can provide the therapists, they’ve secured a private contractor to do it, if they don’t include them in the first pilot, we’re asking for that money to be allocated.”

The Echo has asked Ms Rabbitte for comment.