Minister for Education urged to pause redesignation of schools in the interest of ‘our most vulnerable students’

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Cllr Marie Casserly has called for urgent action to protect “our most vulnerable children” as she criticised the policy of redesignating schools currently serving students with Mild General Learning Difficulties (MGLD).

Outlining her fears and concerns, Cllr Casserly said, “While I fully acknowledge and welcome Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee’s commitment to building an inclusive education system, one where every child can reach their full potential, I am seriously worried that this policy risks displacing some of our most vulnerable students.

“Schools that currently support children with Mild General Learning Difficulties provide a structured and understanding environment tailored to their specific needs. Redesignating these schools to create additional places for autistic students, while well intentioned, may unintentionally remove vital supports for another group of children who depend on them.”

Cllr Casserly stressed the need for greater access to education for children with autism but insisted this should not involve pitting one group of students against another and that thorough planning is essential.

“I want to be very clear: I fully support the urgent need to expand school places for autistic children. However, we must do so in a way that is properly planned, properly resourced, and inclusive of all children—without pitting one group against another.

“In my motion, I call on the Minister to: Pause the re-designation of MGLD schools; Engage in meaningful consultation with affected parents, educators, and communities; Develop a properly resourced, inclusive education strategy that meets the needs of every student.

“Inclusive education should mean no child is left behind. I am asking the Minister and the Department to listen to families, to educators, and to those on the ground who see firsthand the value of these specialised supports.

“This motion has been sent to all Sligo/Leitrim Oireachtas members and to Minister McEntee, and I am asking for their support in ensuring that every child in Ireland—regardless of their learning needs—has access to an education that allows them to thrive.”

The motion was supported by Cllr Ann Higgins who said, “It should be paused. There should be proper consultation with all stakeholders.”