Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness has directly challenged the Taoiseach in the Dáil over what he described as “chronic delays, dysfunction, and indifference” in the delivery of special education supports across Waterford — warning that unless urgent action is taken, schools will be left without essential spaces when the new term begins in September.
Raising the matter during Leaders’ Questions, Deputy McGuinness told the Taoiseach that the Government’s failure to deliver on commitments was leaving children without access to vital supports and placing enormous pressure on families and school communities.
“I put this directly to the Taoiseach: the dysfunction, the delays, the complete lack of urgency — it’s unacceptable. These are real children, real schools, real families. They don’t need more announcements — they need places, resources, and action.”
He outlined several recent cases in which schools across Waterford had received initial approvals for special education provision but were then left in limbo:
“Knockmahon NS in Bunmahon was approved for an autism class by the NCSE last year — yet in April, funding was refused with no explanation.”
“St. Mary’s NS in Grange is still waiting for a reply after a SENO recommended increased SNA support. The Department hasn’t even acknowledged it.”
“Scoil Gharbháin in Dún Garbhán was sanctioned last December. A design team was due in February. It’s now June — still no contact.”
“Garranbane NS needs a second autism class urgently, but the Department’s plan involves a two-year wait for a modular unit while pushing the permanent solution to the back of the queue.”
“St. John’s Special School was sanctioned for extra space months ago — but not a single step has been taken since.”
“Ballycurrane NS in west Waterford submitted a request in January for a new special class. It’s mid-June. No answer.”
Deputy McGuinness said he had been contacted by seven schools in west Waterford alone in the last two months, all facing the same delays and silence from the Department.
“Schools have done everything right — submitted applications, secured recommendations, received initial approvals — and still they’re left waiting. Time is running out. The Taoiseach has now heard this directly from me in the Dáil. What we need is delivery.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 