Schools not at fault, says INTO

TEACHERS have hit back at Education Minister Noel Dempsey for accusing schools of turning away children with disabilities and learning difficulties.

The minister told a Dáil Committee this week he knows of a small number of schools which have refused to enrol children with special needs. He said schools have used an apparent lack of resources as a reason. However, a Department of Education spokesperson said the minister does not intend to name the schools he has in mind.

The Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) said it was rich for the minister to point the finger at schools when around 5,000 children who have applied for special needs resources are still awaiting a response.