No guidelines for cuts to special classes

LAST February, Education Minister Batt O’Keeffe took it upon himself to abolish more than 120 special classes for children with mild general learning disabilities.

Although a report on the role of special classes was imminent, he chose not to await its publication.

Schools affected were advised to appeal. Having sat on his decision since before the elections, the minister issued schools with their letters of rejection last Friday week. However, no guidelines were issued outlining how schools which had lost one of their two or three special classes should prioritise the children for special class support.

In other words, how are schools to decide which children currently enrolled in special classes are to be denied this support?

The minister and the Department of Education were alerted to the difficulties posed by the matter of prioritising children some time ago. Yet neither his office nor the special education section which advised him on the appeals has been able to answer queries.

One assumes Mr O’Keeffe, who chose to ignore the pleas of pupils, parents, teachers and others, has a vision in relation to the way forward. If not, it is possible that schools will face legal challenges.

Based on an Equality Tribunal decision in December 2006 a child who in the future takes a case against a school, arguing that he/she was treated less favourably than other children may have a good case.

By not issuing guidelines the minister is attempting once again to protect his own department while throwing our schools to the wolves. It is sad that this attitude still pervades the highest level of government.

Mary Diskin

Education Spokesperson

The Workers’ Party

Mountjoy Square

Dublin 1