Listen Back: Permanent special school 'needed' in Monaghan. A local father says when you have a special needs child in Co Monaghan; you have to fight for every service.
Paddy McAloon is calling for more placements when it comes to school; respite care; and adult services for those living with additional needs. The local father welcomed the new special school in Castleblayney and had high praise for all the staff involved.
Despite this, Mr McAloon highlighted that it only has 18 places and is currently at full capacity with a waiting list. Paddy says parents were promised a temporary school, which they did get in Castleblayney however with only 18 places children are missing out.
The NCSE initially recommended that a school was needed for 45-65 children, however it was decided that the number of placements would be 18 on a site that can't facilitate much more.
He says the temporary special school is a "life line" for the children who are in it, however there are so many other children with special needs and their families who are missing out.
Speaking in detail with Jodie Curran, Paddy says commitment is needed towards a permanent special school in Co Monaghan:
