Laois TD appointed to two Oireachtas Committees
Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird has been appointed to two separate Oireachtas Committees, firstly, Agriculture and Food, and secondly, Social Protection, Rural and Community Affairs.
Speaking after his appointment, Deputy Aird said: “I’m looking forward to getting stuck into this work,” adding that he is “delighted” to have been appointed to the committees by his party leader, Simon Harris TD.
“It is an honour to be part of any Oireachtas committee and with that honour comes important responsibility and obligations,” Deputy Aird said.
“New ideas which can better serve us are often teased out or identified at committee hearings. They form an important part of our democracy.
“I am looking forward to the work of these two committees commencing and to deciding on priorities areas, so that we can embark on our work plan with clear objectives and determination.
“I take these appointments very seriously and will endeavour to serve, as I have always done, with commitment and integrity.”
Stanley criticises Government’s handling of special education in Laois
Laois Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley has criticised the Government’s handling of special education place in the county.
Speaking in the Dáil this week, Deputy Stanley said: “Every child has a right to an education to enable them to reach their full potential.
“Every year parents of special needs children face huge difficulties in securing school places.
“Extra resources are also needed for the National Education Psychological Services (NEPS) to assist these children who are at risk of falling out of the school system.”
Deputy Stanley said children in Laois are “experiencing exclusion and extended absences from school” due to a lack of spaces in their catchment area.
“The impact of that disengagement from schools is catastrophic for children and for their families,” the Laois TD continued.
“If a child does not have a place and he or she has a special need or disability, he or she is more likely to be placed on reduced hours, while there has been some investment in this area, we need to see more.
“In county Laois the Government is constantly announcing special classes. There are press releases issued. There are emails sent to all Government TD’s.
“Many of the schools have made it clear that they do not have the space to provide them. This must be rectified by September.
“Announcements are no good if there are no spaces for the classes.
“Modular buildings need to be put in place.
“Laois is happy to have new classes, but the schools involved need physical space to accommodate them.”
McCormack demands ‘urgent action’ on ‘delayed builds’ at two Laois Special Schools
Laois Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack has strongly condemned “ongoing delays” at two Laois special schools.
Speaking in the Seanad this week, Senator McCormack highlighted Saplings Special School, which she said has “remained idle for two years despite repeated commitments to restart the project.”
Senator McCormack said: “This is a purpose-built school designed to meet the complex needs of children with autism – yet it lies unfinished while students continue to be taught in prefabs and a rented unit built in 1949. That is not acceptable.”
Senator McCormack criticised the “dependence on private donations” and called for “urgent intervention” from the Department of Education “to ensure the completion of the school through secure public funding.”
The Sinn Féin Senator also raised “the long-overdue” modular build at St Francis School in Portlaoise, asking: “How many more years do these children have to wait?”
“St Francis has been promised a modular extension since 2021, yet there is still no progress, no updates, and no answers. This is a complete failure of responsibility,” Senator McCormack said.
“These are not just delays – they are denials of opportunity, dignity and inclusion. I will not rest until these children are given the educational environments they were promised.”
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