GEMMA BROLLY: Hundreds on Waiting Lists for Special Educational Needs Assessment

Aontú Rep for East Derry, Gemma Brolly, has raised serious concerns over the hundreds of children on waiting lists for Special Educational Needs Assessment and the detrimental effect of these protracted waiting times.

Rep Brolly:

“Shocking statistics released to Aontú confirm that between 2017 and 2020 between 50 and 420 children monthly had been on the Educational Psychologist waiting list awaiting assessment for Special Educational Needs. Figures roll over on a monthly basis over a period of 25 months. In the first 4 months, 50 to 87 children were waiting, at 12 months between 100 and 300 children were waiting and at 9 months, 300 to 500 children were waiting to be assessed."

"Aontú also requested information regarding the longest and average waiting time for a child to see an Educational Psychologist over the last three years, to which Aontú were stunned to receive news that prior to September 2020 there was NO PROCESS IN PLACE TO RECORD THE INFORMATION REQUESTED. New protocols have now been introduced with information management systems being revised by the Educational Authority Improvement Team.”
“This of course falls in line with a number of the 40 recommendations made by the “Too Little, Too Late” Review by the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People. This ‘Rights based Review of Special Needs Provision in Mainstream Schools identifies the major concerns, dysfunctionalities and outright failings of the educational institutions. In particular the Department of Education and Educational Authority have failed in providing for children and young people with Special Educational Needs . In reality, charitable organisations, parental support networks and private educational services are bursting at the seams with parents in desperation to access whatever help they can in order to find adequate provision and facilitate the needs of their children.”

“In Aontú we believe that every child has the right to an education ‘which must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full’ in accordance with the United Nations Charter for Rights of Children. The education system is no longer fit for purpose – we have established the failings of our overstretched classroom system before Covid. Urgent attention must now be given to transformation of our education system in accordance with the recommendations of recent reviews and reports but more importantly, to provide a fair and efficient education system for ALL our children."

“Aontú will continue to demand immediate action on an education system for ALL, an education system where every child is valued and cherished.”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.