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Local parents of children with special needs to meet with minister

Apr 27, 2026 16:43
By News Northern Sound
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Local parents of children with special needs to meet with minister

Paddy McAloon says a number of the issues will be discussed by the delegation at tomorrow's meeting.

Members of the Special Needs Active Parents campaign group also known as SNAP will meet with Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youth Michael Moynihan tomorrow in Dail Eireann.

The group will highlight the many issues that parents of children with special needs face on a daily basis right across Co Monaghan.

Paddy McAloon says a number of the issues will be discussed by the delegation.

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In recent months, Government has gave the go ahead for a number of special classes across Cavan and Monaghan, however Paddy believes more transparency is needed when it comes to this.

He says such announcements can lead to confusion, as the term special class which is used is in fact an additional autism according to the concerned father.

While he welcomed this and said a lot more are needed, Mr McAloon said that a child needs a diagnosis with autism to get into that class and anyone who has any other additional need won't qualify to get a placement in that class.

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Paddy believes there should be a special class opened in every school, and  any child should be able to qualify to get into that special class.

While he welcomed the temporary special school in Castleblayney, he believes a permanent site is needed to cater for the growing number of young people who will need a place in the future.

The local father says over €3million has already been spent on the temporary Castleblayney site, which he believes is "not fit for purpose."

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Speaking to Northern Sound, Paddy said the young people of Co Monaghan with additional needs deserve better.

 

 

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