Cutting special needs [IrishTimes]
- Published: 15 July 2011
AS ONE might expect, this week’s protest by the parents of special needs pupils was dignified and respectful. But there was no disguising the depth of anger – even exasperation – among those present. One mother spoke movingly of how the Government was “turning its back’’ on some of the most vulnerable and needy in our society.
It is to be hoped the protest will help to concentrate minds in the Department of Education where the need to achieve cuts in special needs provision appears to have been given a curious priority for several years. Neither the previous administration nor the current Government have an unsullied record on the issue. The current cap on special needs assistants (SNAs) in schools was set by the previous government at 10,575. With 10,802 assistants in situ, the current Government is pushing for a return to the original cap, despite the potentially calamitous impact on pupils and families.
It would help if Minister for Education Ruairí Quinn and his officials adopted more than an accountant’s approach to special needs provision. Last month, the department’s value-for-money report on SNAs found there was an “over-allocation’’ of 27 per cent in primary and post-primary schools and 10 per cent in special needs schools. This was an extraordinary finding when one considers the State’s dismal history in this area. For years, the parents of special needs children were left to their own devices without much isuccour or support. While undoubted progress has been made, this is largely because of the courage of individual families who fought valiantly to vindicate their rights in the courts.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
School return costs '€400 per child' [IrishTimes]
- Published: 15 July 2011
Families are spending on average €400 per child for returning to school, according to results of research published today.
The study, carried out by the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU), found the average cost for a second-level student is €470 while it costs €320 to send a child to a primary school.
Uniforms were the most expensive element of the back-to-school bill for most parents, with the cost put at an average of €229. School books cost a further €182.
The survey found almost 90 per cent of parents want to switch to laptops and e-books in the classroom to save cash.
ILCUs chief executive Kieron Brennan said the cost “is considerable and can put significant pressure on household budgets and the ability of some families to pay their essential bills”.
Full Story: www.irishtimes.com
Special needs cuts 'could be illegal' [schooldays.ie]
- Published: 15 July 2011
One member of the Dail has suggested proposed cuts to the education budget that could reduce the number of special needs assistants (SNAs) in schools may be illegal.
Independent TD Finian McGrath suggested the proposals may be in breach of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which calls for all youngsters to be given equal opportunities to learning, the Irish Times reported.
He also suggested it could break laws established in the 2004 Education for People with Special Educational Needs Acts.
The warning came as a motion on a number of measures proposed by Independent TDs - including the reversal of the SNA cuts - was defeated by 103 votes to 47, while around 700 people attended a demonstration outside Leinster House to oppose the changes.
Full Story: www.schooldays.ie
Speech by Frances Fitzgerald, TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs: Launch of Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, 2011 [merrionstreet.ie]
- Published: 15 July 2011
I would like to welcome Mr Gordon Jeyes, National Director, Children and Family Services, HSE and Mr Derek Byrne, Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services and acknowledge their support in the development of this guidance.
I look forward to their continued support and cooperation in the future. I would also like to introduce Mr. Jim Breslin, who was recently appointed to the post of Secretary General of my Department.
For all of us this has been a week that we would love to forget, but must always remember.
It was a week where problems of the past were proven to survive in the present.
It was a week where we learned that shame alone does not change behaviour.
The Cloyne report showed us that child abuse and endangerment is not something that happened back in the 50’s or 60’s or 70’s or 80’s.
Cloyne showed us that child abuse and endangerment is happening today.
Full Story: www.merrionstreet.ie
Press Statement by Ms Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs – Launch of Children First 2011 – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children [merrionstreet.ie]
- Published: 15 July 2011
Ms Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs today launched Children First 2011 – National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
Children First is National Guidance that promotes the protection of children from abuse and neglect. It states what organisations need to do to keep children safe, and what different bodies, and the general public should do if they are concerned about a child’s safety and welfare. The Guidance sets out specific protocols for HSE social workers, Gardaí and other front line staff in dealing with suspected abuse and neglect.
Minister Fitzgerald acknowledged and commended all those who work so hard to make sure that every child they interact with is cared for, cherished, supported and protected. She said “These are the practitioners in the professional and voluntary sectors, medical professionals, Gardai, youth workers, teachers, and coaches all over Ireland who already passionately employ best practice in child protection. These people already implement Children First in full, understand their duties and do not need legislation to keep children safe.”
Full Story: www.merrionstreet.ie
