A Clare Government TD has expressed doubt that schools and classes for children with special needs will re-open this week.
It comes as teachers union the INTO has said that “grave safety concerns” have not been adequately addressed.
Talks between all stakeholders are continuing today.
Plans to reopen special schools and classes from Thursday were thrown into doubt last night when the INTO teachers union called on the Department to “reconsider” the plan.
They say teachers’ “grave safety concerns” have not been adequately addressed.
While the Education Minister says work to ensure students with special needs can return to school is ongoing, time is fast running out.
CEO of autism charity AsIAm, Adam Harris says parents and children need clarity.
Labour’s Education Spokesperson believes the situation can be salvaged.
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin says however that the Minister needs to act to avoid further tension.
But a Clare Government TD has today accepted it’s hard to see how schools and classes for children with special needs can return on Thursday, given the latest developments.
Further discussions among stakeholders are taking place today and Fine Gael’s Joe Carey is urging the Minister for Education to continue to engage with unions.
And on the prospect of another late change to education plans, he has said that he believes announcements shouldn’t be made without first securing agreement from all sides
