(Ireland) Special school oversubscribed; lottery held for 8 available places (20 applicants)
- The end of childhood
- 5 days ago
- 1 min read
May 7, 2025, Irish Sun: LEFT BEHIND ‘He’s last child standing’ fumes mum as son snubbed AGAIN for special school spot after ‘like playing Euromillions’ fury
The Department of Education gave a statement on the issue
A MUM has vowed to battle “to the ends of the earth” after her tireless campaign to get a special school place for her child resulted in bosses providing the extra classes - but again snubbing her son.
Waterford woman Rebecca Meehan told The Irish Sun in February that the State was “playing the Euromillions” with her son’s education.
Autistic Jay, five, was one of 20 children who had been left without a place at their local special school — St John’s in Dungarvan, Co Waterford.
The school’s waiting list was so oversubscribed that a lottery-style draw took place for the eight available places.
Jay’s plight was raised in the Dail by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald.
Responding, Taoiseach Micheal Martin promised to “do everything we can” to get a special school place for the little lad.
Subsequently, the Department of Education secured two new modular classes for the school and an additional 12 spots.
However, again, Jay was left behind after other kids were offered spot ahead of him.
Devastated Rebecca told The Irish Sun said: “I’m not willing to put my child’s future at risk.
“I've been so heavily involved and the way it’s being dealt with and the way my son is being treated, it’s really bothering me.
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