Cork pupils using taxis to attend ASD classes at other schools

Ballincollig pupils are travelling by taxi to attend other schools as their local school has been waiting months for an answer on an ASD class.

Scoil Eoin Primary School for boys has encouraged parents to ask general election hopefuls about the issue.

The school community has been campaigning for a long time for the provision of an ASD class, with members of the board of management meeting with Education Minister Norma Foley in Leinster House on May 14.

Commitment

“On that day the minister gave a commitment to give the board of management of Scoil Eoin an answer in six weeks or less from that time with regard to providing accommodation for an ASD special class. Unfortunately, six months later, we have yet to receive an answer from the minister,” a spokesperson for the school explained.

Some pupils who formerly attended Scoil Eoin now have to travel by taxi to attend neighbouring schools in order to access an ASD Special Class.

“This means that these pupils are being denied the opportunity to attend school, with siblings, in their own community,” the spokesperson said.

Shocking

Solidarity-People Before Profit TD for Cork North Central Mick Barry told The Echo: “The number of autistic children in Ballincollig who are forced to travel long distances outside of the town to a special class is simply shocking.

“I’m pleased that the principal of Scoil Eoin has decided to make this an election issue. I hope all parties are put under real pressure on this issue on the doorsteps in Ballincollig over the next two weeks.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: “Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this government. It is also a key priority for the department and for the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). Budget 2025 provides for a record level of investment of €2.9bn in special education. This represents a 6% increase for 2025, or €159m.

“The vast majority of children with special educational needs are supported to attend mainstream classes with their peers. Where children with more complex needs require additional supports, special classes and special school places are provided.

“The Department of Education and the NCSE work closely in relation to the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This includes examining the need for special classes and the space available in existing school properties, such as Scoil Eoin in Ballincollig. Where adequate space is not immediately available in school properties, alternatives are explored.”