Special Education Teachers in Louth are "teaching in a cupboard" due to lack of space

Special education teachers in Louth schools are having to teach classes "in a cupboard" due to a lack of space, according to Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú. 

Deputy Ó Murchú raised the issue during Taoiseach's questions last week. 

He highlighted issues at St Mochtas NS in Louth Village, Monksland NS in Cooley and Ardee Educate Together NS. 

The Sinn Féin TD told the Dáil he has received letters from parents of children who attend St Mochtas. 

“The parent writes that two classes are currently being taught in
the school hall and special education teachers are teaching in a
cupboard, in the staff room and in a corridor due to lack of space," he said.

Deputy Ó Murchú also told the Dáíl that teachers in Monksland NS are having to eat their lunch in their cars. 

"I do not think any of that is up to scratch. There is a lack of
Special Education Needs offices, a GP room and all of the rest," he said. 

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He said he has worked with Louth County Council's design team to address parking issues for Ardee Educate Together. Deputy Ó Murchú said as a result, two proposals have already go to the Department of Education. 

“I would like to think there will be support from a governmental point of
view for delivery on that,” he said. 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he would raise the issues with the Department.