Family disappointed as ministers fail to meet them
But John and Rachel Kelleher welcomed the fact that Education Minister Mary Hanafin had taken an interest in their son Shane’s case.
The Cork family were hoping to hand Ms Hanafin a petition, signed by more than 3,000 people last week, demanding a reversal in the decision to cut Shane’s special needs assistant (SNA) hours by half.
But the minister was unable to meet them yesterday. Mr Kelleher said he was also disappointed that Fianna Fáil TDs didn’t meet them.
“I thought if no one from the Government was available, then at least they would have sent out a member of Fianna Fáil to meet us,” he said.
Labour spokeswoman on disability, Kathleen Lynch, took details of Shane’s case to the minister’s office.
Ms Hanafin contacted the National Special Education Council, who are reviewing an appeal lodged by the Kellehers. The couple were told yesterday to expect a response later today.
Shane, aged nine, has just completed third class at Scoil Chill Ruadhain in Glanmire, Co Cork.
He has CHARGE syndrome - a rare condition that affects his heart, eyes, and throat, stunts his growth and development, results in urinary abnormalities and can cause behavioural problems.
Shane’s full-time SNA had helped him make great strides in mainstream education, Mr Kelleher said.
The SNA also monitored his medication and special feeding requirements.
But following a review of 1,000 schools by the Department of Education, it was decided to cut Shane’s SNA hours in half.
Mr Kelleher said the decision would have a devastating effect on his education and health.
“This is a disgraceful policy. It isn’t just affecting our son. It’s affecting children all over the country. It just shows how out of touch with the electorate the Government is,” Mr Kelleher said.
Fine Gael’s Bernard Allen described the decision as “heartless”.
“It’s appalling that this family had to travel to Dublin to fight for their rights.” He said he would raise the issue in the Dáil this evening.
