Ministers Statement Over Failed Schools Reopening Condemned

Blatant attempt to cover for government failure and extremely self-serving claims People Before Profit

Bríd Smith TD has labelled a joint statement from Ministers Foley and Madigan as, “self-serving, divisive and utterly devoid of understanding of their own colossal failure,” over the proposed reopening of special classes.

The TD also highlighted a recent statement (in notes) from the National Education Union (NEU) in Britain which highlights contradictions in previous assertions that all schools were safe environments.

She reiterated again her call on Ministers and Government to engage fully with staff and management on special classes and schools reopening in general.

The People Before Profit TD said: “Everyone wants vulnerable children and special classes prioritised for reopening, but the shambolic attempt to do this without regard to schools or staff’s specific circumstances will not run. The attempt by both Ministers to cover for their own abysmal failure by deflecting blame and responsibility onto teachers and SNAs is contemptible and is misleading.

“These classes are desperately needed by parents, children and staff, many of whom had dedicated their lives to special needs children. They cannot be reopened by Ministerial decree and the shameful attack on SNAs and teachers by the Government must stop.”