The Department of Education is 'failing' children with special educational needs, particularly in black spots in Dublin and Cork.
That's according to the Ombudsman for Children. A new report highlights discrimination and a lack of planning when it comes to special education.
It estimates 15,500 children currently have to travel outside their local school-catchment area. In Dublin alone €72,000 a day is being spent on transport for children.
The report recommends the Department gather data on how many children need supports in order to help forecast future needs.
Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, says all schools should be providing places for children with special educational needs;
"Especially where the blackspots are in Dublin and Cork, the government need to start providing in those local areas. Every school should have a resource space and resource teachers to cater for those children and they should not be allowed to opt out of it either."
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