The Minister for Education has told parents of children with special needs campaigning for a special school in Monaghan their case is "under review" and her department will revert back to them by the end of the year. Six members of the Special Needs Active Parents campaign group travelled to Dublin yesterday for a meeting with the Tánaiste when they hoped to outline the need for a special school, respite and day centres in Monaghan.
SNAP members had hoped to leave the meeting with a firm commitment from the government the facilities would be provided. However, their optimism turned to disappointment when the expected meeting with Micheál Martin didn't take place and instead they met with Norma Foley.
They were also disappointed to be told that although the Education Minister was aware of the need in Monaghan, the requirement is under review and that review won't be concluded until the end of the year. Monaghan parent Paddy McAloon says that was not the response they had hoped for: "She recognises that although they've made progress it hasn't been enough and they will continue to push forward," paddy told Northern Sound, "A quote from her is: 'I can say with absolute verocity that Monaghan is being looked at' but, basically, we're under review until the end of the year., she can do nothing until that review comes back. When the review comes back that will let us know that we are qualifying for a special needs school but, then the fight continues. Like we know we need a special school."
