Parents Demand Answers from Heather Humphreys Over Special Needs School

UPDATE: Parents of children with special needs in Monaghan are expressing their deep disappointment with presidential candidate Heather Humphreys following the recent opening of the long-awaited Monaghan Community Special School. After years of advocacy, the school opened its doors in October 2023, but parents are questioning why it took so long and the role of local politicians in this critical issue.

Families in Monaghan have endured significant challenges, with many children previously placed in unsuitable classrooms or forced to travel to Cavan for education. Kathleen Maguire, whose son Ciaran faced immense struggles before the school’s opening, accused Humphreys of being “complicit” in the lack of local special education options. “It’s about the special needs community here in Monaghan. She turned her back on us,” Maguire stated.

The Monaghan Community Special School finally became a reality thanks to a public meeting organized by Humphreys with then-Disability Minister Anne Rabbite on April 8, 2024, where €2.8 million in funding for special schools was announced. However, this meeting sparked controversy when parents noted the absence of Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy, who had been actively supporting families in their quest for better services.

During the April meeting, tensions escalated when a parent questioned why Carthy was not invited, leading to an intense reaction from Humphreys, described by attendees as “thumping the table.” Parents felt their concerns about representation were dismissed, which further fueled their frustration.

Maguire recounted her uncomfortable interactions with Humphreys, including a phone call where the candidate accused her of speaking negatively about her at a prior forum. “I was extremely upset after the call. I never spoke badly of her,” Maguire explained. Despite the turbulent relationship, she recognized that the funding and opening of the school were important steps forward.

However, Maguire emphasized that the long wait for adequate services reflects a failure of leadership. “As a TD for ten years, she was in a position to make real changes,” she lamented, highlighting the scarcity of resources, with only one respite house in the area.

In response to these allegations, a spokesperson for Humphreys stated, “Heather worked very closely with the Department of Disability, Cavan Monaghan Education & Training Board (CMETB), and the NCSE on the delivery of a Special School in Co. Monaghan.” They affirmed that the former TD was instrumental in securing funding and meeting with families to address their needs.

As the community grapples with these revelations, many parents are left questioning the accountability of their elected officials and the future of special needs education in Monaghan. The emotional toll on families continues as they advocate for more support and resources for their children’s education.

With the Monaghan Community Special School now operational, the focus shifts to ensuring that it meets the needs of all students and that local leaders commit to ongoing support for families navigating the challenges of special education. The parents’ fight for adequate services is far from over, and they remain vigilant in holding their representatives accountable.

As the situation develops, parents urge others to remain engaged and informed, emphasizing that every child deserves the right to thrive in a supportive educational environment.