Senator Aisling Dolan - Strong Voice, New Vision.
I welcome the announcement by the new Galway Minister, Hildegarde Naughton TD, for Special Education and Inclusion on funding for Special Schools.
This funding for additional hours at post-primary level in special schools as well as administrative support through funding the administrative deputy principal role will be welcome in schools across the country and for six special schools in Co. Galway.
In Ballinasloe, St Teresa’s Special School will also receive a boost in hours and administrative support through the deputy principal role. This will improve educational resources for older students with significant needs and their families.
Over half of students in special schools are teenagers and this funding will support a wider curriculum of subjects for young people at junior & senior cycle designed to build on individual strengths.
I’ve worked closely with Principal Anita O’Reilly and Vice-Principal Geraldine Clarke on the increasing needs for classrooms at St Teresa’s as student numbers have soared. Two additional classrooms were added for children and now we also have another 2 additional classrooms available for students.
Our former Minister Josepha Madigan and Minister Norma Foley have visited the school to view the need in terms of capacity. I will work with the teaching staff on the priority for a new fit for purpose school for St Teresa’s where all students have the space and supports needed to reach their potential.
