A Laois TD has called for urgent action on the lack of places in special schools, highlighting the 'huge difficulties' that many Laois parents and schools are facing.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live previously reported that some schools sanctioned for new special classes in the 2025/6 school year are struggling to source space for these classes.

Laois principals have criticised the Department for Education for the sanctioning of new special classes, with no classroom space provided.

Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley addressed Minister for Education Helen McEntee and Minister of State Michael Moynihan in the Dáíl this week.

"Every child has a right to an education to enable them to reach their full potential," Deputy Stanley argued.

Pictured: Laois Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley

"Every year, parents of special needs children face huge difficulties in securing school places, we have huge gaps in provision including in Laois.

"Extra resources are also needed for the National Education Psychological Services (NEPS) to assist these children who are at risk of falling out of the school system," he said.

"We have a shortage of school places for children with special needs and there are huge gaps in addition to the obstacles with a lack of nearby school classes in their catchment area, children are experiencing exclusion and extended absences from school.

"In some cases, they are receiving no supports. The impact of that disengagement from schools is catastrophic for children and for their families. If a child does not have a place and he or she has a special need or disability, he or she is more likely to be placed on reduced hours, while there has been some investment in this area, we need to see more," Deputy Stanley said.

“In county Laois the Government is constantly announcing special classes. There are press releases issued. There are emails sent to all Government TD's. Nine such classes have been announced, but where will the Minister put them? " he questioned.

"Many of the schools have made it clear that they do not have the space to provide them. This must be rectified by September. We have 16 or 17 weeks to get this right. Announcements are no good if there are no spaces for the classes."

The former Sinn Féín TD highlighted The Rock National school as an example, with staff hoping to use space in the playground to install modular classrooms.

"Management at the school has stated that it will be a challenge to get the new buildings in place by August. Families have contacted the school already. If the classes are oversubscribed, which is likely! the school is on record as stating there will be a problem," Deputy Stanley said.

"Castlecuffe National School is happy that it is getting its first special needs class, but it is facing a situation where it will have to put the children involved into a general-purpose classroom, it is the same in Killeshin School they are working to put a contingency plan in place due to the lack of accommodation and are being pressurized to set up in the PPE Hall.

"Modular buildings need to be put in place. That is the message I want to give the Minister this morning. Laois is happy to have new classes, but the schools involved need physical space to accommodate them," the TD finished.

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