Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Sinn Féin TD John Brady, has described as ‘an insult’ the revelation that the state spent over €1.75 million on legal costs and court settlements in cases involving families seeking appropriate school places for their children.
Correspondence provided to the PAC by the Department of Education and Youth shows that a total of €1.769 million was spent between 2022 and 2024. This includes €770,000 in 2022, €339,000 in 2023, and €660,000 in 2024.
Teachta Brady said:
“The fact that the state spent over €1.7 million on defending litigation cases between 2022 and 2024 is an insult to every family fighting for a suitable school place and the basic supports their children deserve.
“Instead of focusing on adequately planning and investing to ensure that sufficient school places are available, the Government has chosen to fight parents through the courts, as families seek only to vindicate their children’s rights.
“This €1.769 million should have been invested in additional special classes and supports, not wasted on adversarial legal battles and costly fees.
“Parents are exhausted from constantly having to fight the system, and this news will be yet another kick in the teeth to families who are already under immense pressure.
“This situation highlights the fundamental flaws at the heart of how special education supports are delivered.
“The Government must deliver a clear, long-term commitment to strengthening special education provision based on need, alongside meaningful engagement with families, SNAs, and school communities.”