The Department of Education is 'failing' children with special educational needs, according to the Ombudsman for Children.
A new report highlights discrimination and a lack of planning when it comes to special education.
It estimates 15,500 children currently have to travel outside their local school-catchment area, with €72,000 day being spent on transport for children in Dublin alone.
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It recommends the Department gather data on how many children need supports in order to help forecast future needs.
Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, says all schools should be providing places for children with special educational needs:
