Special education centres plan 'won't wash' as Government denies abandoning integration

Fierce reaction from disability advocates to 'stop gap' plan for children with special educational needs

Josepha Madigan, the special education minister:'Following public outcry and an emergency meeting with disability advocates yesterday, the minister said the plan was still in its 'infancy' and just one of a number of options being explored.'  Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall

A Government plan to send children with additional needs who cannot access school places to "special education centres" is unconstitutional, according to a prominent children’s rights lawyer.

The plan, confirmed on Twitter by Josepha Madigan, the special education minister, late on Wednesday night, has already been called into question and there has been a fierce reaction from advocates for children with special educational needs.