Taoiseach: Suspensions 'not the ideal way' of dealing with students in special schools

Speaking in New York, Micheál Martin told the 'Irish Examiner' that it was important that education and training boards become more involved in the provision of special education

Taoiseach Micheál Martin: 'It is necessary to have as many providers as possible.' File Picture: PA

Suspensions are not the best way of dealing with students with additional needs, the Taoiseach has said, after concerns were raised about two special schools in his constituency.

However, Micheál Martin said he believes that education and training boards (ETBs) should be more involved in special school provision and the Cork board would work with parents to ease their concerns.

The Irish Examiner on Monday reported that several parents whose children attend Carrigaline Community Special School have raised serious concerns about the school, warning that it is in " crisis".

Opened by Cork ETB in 2021, Carrigaline Community Special School (CCSS) issued 17 official suspensions out of a maximum student body of just 48 in three years.

Asked about parents' fears in New York, the Taoiseach told the Irish Examiner that, as a former teacher himself, he did not believe that suspensions were "the ideal way" of dealing with students. However, he said it was important that ETBs become more involved in provision.

'Comprehensive safety and service'

"First of all, I think it's important that the ETB is going to become involved in special education, and I welcome the ETB being involved," Mr Martin said

"I think it is the future in terms of providing comprehensive safety and service for future generations of children with additional needs. 

"Traditionally, the ETB was not involved in special education. You recall all the rows we had over the last two years in terms of additional places, some of the established providers are not in the position to do more. It is necessary to have as many providers as possible.

"Suspensions are not — in my view, speaking as an educationalist — the ideal way to deal with behavioural issues or issues within a special needs context. But I know that the ETB in Cork is working with parents to try and resolve these issues," he added.

Cork ETB said it is aware of the matters raised, and “has engaged intensively with parents around their concerns”.