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Caitriona has been fighting for a school place for her son Rian.

Norma Foley says there are enough special ed places for every child in Dublin 15 - but parents disagree

Two parents who sit on the Dublin 15 Taskforce, dispute the Minister’s claim.

PARENTS OF CHILDREN with additional needs have pushed back on a claim from the Minister for Education that there are now more special education places in Dublin 15 than required.

Dublin 15, the area in North-West Dublin which encompasses Blanchardstown, Mulhuddart, Clonsilla, Castleknock and Tyrrellstown, has been acutely impacted by a shortage of special education school places this year.

This has meant that a number of children have been forced to remain in pre-school settings rather than progressing to primary school. 

Despite Taoiseach Simon Harris stating in July that he could say “with a degree of confidence that every child will have a school place in September”, several children still don’t have somewhere to go to school.

Following protests and campaigning from parents, the government set up a taskforce to help improve the situation specifically in Dublin 15.

Among the members of the taskforce are parents, school principals, representatives from the Department of Education and the Department of Children, and representatives from the National Council for Special Education.

Minister for Education Norma Foley yesterday updated Cabinet on the work of the taskforce. 

Responding to a question from The Journal during a press conference afterwards, Minister Foley said “significant strides” have been made “but it is an ongoing journey”.

Specifically referring to Dublin 15, the Minister said: “I can say to you that we’re now in a place where we have more places available than we do actually have places being required by children, and that’s a very strong positive.”

Figures obtained by The Journal from the Department of Education show that as of 17 October, there were seven children who were seeking a special education place in North Dublin (which encompasses Dublin 15), with 15 vacancies available. 

However, two parents who sit on the Dublin 15 Taskforce, dispute these figures and the Minister’s statement, arguing that the vacancies referred to by the Department are not actually appropriate for the children still without places.

One of these parents is Caitriona Rohan, whose son Rian was due to start primary school this September but has only just been given a place in a special education class.

He will now begin school at the beginning of November and up until now has remained in the autism pre-school that he was attending last year.

Despite Caitriona’s son now having a school place, she said she is not giving up until the situation is solved. 

Caitriona set up the campaign group D15 Schools for All to advocate for appropriate school places for Rian and other children in similar positions.

Speaking to The Journal, Caitriona said she is aware of two children in Dublin 15 who remain without appropriate school places, as well as a number of children who are in mainstream schools, but who should have places in special education schools or classrooms. 

Centralised applications

Although the taskforce has had just one meeting to date, Caitriona said its work so far has been positive. 

“The goal essentially is that no parent will have to go through this again,” Caitriona said. 

Alongside the taskforce, a pilot programme is being trialed to improve the application process for special education school places.

In an effort to move away from the existing system where parents need to make multiple separate applications to different schools, a centralised application process has been set up.

Speaking yesterday, Minister Foley said that if successful, this “may well be a model of best practice going forward that we can employ in other areas.”

The pilot only includes 13 schools to begin with, but Caitriona said it is “very welcome” given how stressful the application process currently is. 

“The process is very, very stressful. You literally have to apply to every school in the area.

“Admissions could open from October and they could run until February.

“You’re getting letters and drips of information here and there. You’re literally watching for the postman every day to see are you going to get a letter,” Caitriona said.

“For the common application process to go nationwide, that would be amazing. It would take so much pressure off the parents,” she added. 

However, even if the application process is improved, a shortage of places still remains.

Among Rian’s pre-school class, just one out of four children secured a school place for September.

Meanwhile, according to data collected by the Dublin 15 Primary Principal Network, 111 children in primary schools in the area are not in the appropriate settings for their needs.

Síle Parsons is another member of the taskforce and is also the spokesperson for the campaign group ‘Autism School Dublin 15′, which was initially set up six years ago to campaign for a special education school for the area.

Responding to the Minister’s assertion that there are now more special education places available in Dublin 15 than there is demand for, Síle questioned the criteria the Department is using to deem a school place appropriate.

“Why is it that parents have to accept what’s available to them rather than what is best suited for their child or for their family?,” she asked.

Síle also made the point that many children are forced to travel long journeys to and from school each day and yet these school places are deemed by the Department to be appropriate.

“They’re expecting children to travel large distances and still arrive regulated and ready to learn. And that’s just not how it works.”

“Every child is entitled to an appropriate education within their community,” Síle told The Journal. 

Her message to politicians ahead of the election is not to make this a political issue. 

“There needs to be a common action plan that all [political] parties agree on, that no matter who gets into government, this is actually going to be a priority.

“It’s not something that should be made into a political football, because the kids are the ones who are going to miss out.”

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55 Comments
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    Mute Ger Whelan
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    Nov 1st 2024, 12:16 AM

    I stopped reading after “Norma Foley says”. The woman had no credibility and I wouldn’t believe anything she says.

    228
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    Mute John F doe
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    Nov 1st 2024, 12:17 AM

    @Ger Whelan: she is amazing, best minister ever :)

    11
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    Mute Michael o connor
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    Nov 1st 2024, 6:42 AM

    @Ger Whelan: the ansbacher baby!

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    Mute Peter Byrne
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    Nov 1st 2024, 8:10 AM

    @Ger Whelan: can anyone tell me why there is such a huge rise in children seeking special needs classes

    16
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    Mute Hayagriva
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    Nov 1st 2024, 8:18 AM

    @Peter Byrne: a deeper understanding of what constitutes neurodiversity, children growing up whose formative years were spent in lockdown, I’m sure there’s more but those two alone are significant in themselves

    14
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    Mute Karen Marten
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    Nov 1st 2024, 10:19 AM

    @John F doe: teachers pet no she’s not She’s no clue the free book scheme for instance that should have been paid to parents to pay off school fees and a few books needed for home work. As it stands the schools are profiting from this money and still looking for huge school fees. As in the primary school my child attends the newly bought books the first year €95 per student w have been recycled so they not buying new books for every child every term . Bought mu childs own coppies and work books for home work wasn’t even €40 .

    4
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    Mute Karen Marten
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    Nov 1st 2024, 10:44 AM

    @Peter Byrne: children are in waiting lists for years to be assessed for undiagnosed learning physical conditions like dyslexia . Dyspraxia . Autism and many other the hse are failing children in cluding my own . But those parents who have children with diagnosed children are being blocked from getting an education and it’s so wrong . This there os plenty of places in the areas needed . Well norma hop on your broom and. Knock on every parents door and schools they applied to and get it sorted

    6
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    Mute Karen Marten
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    Mon 11:57 PM

    @Peter Byrne: because more and more children are being diagnosed late with underlying learning difficulties .assement of needs list are getting longer and longer. Should be assessed with in 6 months of application . And then if your child .os lucky enough to have your child diagnosed the lack of & shortage s with in child services with in the hse are diabolical

    1
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    Mute SV3tN8M4
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    Nov 1st 2024, 12:46 AM

    Can we not get investigative Journalism, to determine the actual facts & find out who is telling the truth. I think most people know who is telling the truth, particularly after the School bus debacle. We need accountability in Public Office as Democracy is been trampled on by Spin & Lies. Let’s give everyone the opportunity to present the facts, but please give us the truth. Unfortunately in Ireland we see on a regular basis across the Political Class, Business class, Medical class, HSE, Finance, Civil Service, across the Board, everybody spinning & the Irish people left scratching their heads. People have lost all faith in all of our Institutions & Politics. Even our “Public Service Broadcaster” were lying to our faces & walked away Scott free, the country is rotten to the core.

    152
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    Mute Brian M
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    Nov 1st 2024, 6:57 AM

    @SV3tN8M4: Given the string of blatant lies Norma Foley came out with during Covid, I’d say you needn’t look tok far.

    70
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    Mute SV3tN8M4
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    Nov 1st 2024, 11:08 AM

    @Brian M: What’s in the Ram, is in the Lamb.

    5
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    Mute MIchael Costello
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    Nov 1st 2024, 2:41 PM

    @SV3tN8M4: I totally agree. All statements made by an elected official should be backed up by hard facts and beyond contradiction. Facts, facts, facts. But we all know that when challenged, all ministers revert to the old reliable line, that’s the information conveyed to me.Thats what the head of my department told me. I’m sorry if I have misled the general public.

    2
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    Mute Anthony Curran
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    Nov 1st 2024, 12:13 AM

    13 years Fine Gael have been in government. This is in Leo Varadkar’s back yard. If they were being marked on performance they’d fail every time. Enough failure. Enough mediocrity. Enough cronyism. Are we so used to being sh at on that we just accept this? There is an alternative, no matter what the MSM will tell you. Vote left. Or suffer 5 more years of FF and FG failure.

    97
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    Mute Ger Whelan
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    Nov 1st 2024, 12:57 AM

    @John F doe: I can’t imagine what goes on in a person like yours head. Making fun of something as vile as pedophilia. You’ve clearly got issues lad.

    36
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    Mute Ger Whelan
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    Nov 1st 2024, 1:06 AM

    @John F doe: I’ve no idea why. Go ask a SF supporter they might be able to tell you why. Now answer me this, why did FF and FG cover up decade of child sexual abuse. Why did they protect pedos?

    44
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    Mute John F doe
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    Nov 1st 2024, 1:34 AM

    @Ger Whelan: do you think the latest SF pedo revelations will impact their vote?

    3
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    Mute Ger Whelan
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    Nov 1st 2024, 1:43 AM

    @John F doe: I couldn’t care less about their vote. Any reason you are ignoring my question. Why are you supporting FF and FG knowing they both spent decades covering for pedos?

    32
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    Mute John F doe
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    Nov 1st 2024, 1:52 AM

    @Ger Whelan: so you don’t care about protecting children?

    3
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    Mute Ger Whelan
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    Nov 1st 2024, 2:02 AM

    @John F doe: Of the 2 of us only one us is actively supporting 2 parties that betrayed children and protected pedophiles. That is you. Why don’t you care about our children?

    31
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    Mute John F doe
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    Nov 1st 2024, 2:06 AM

    @Ger Whelan: I don’t vote SF, as I care about the protection of children. Don’t give them a single vote

    3
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    Mute Ger Whelan
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    Nov 1st 2024, 2:18 AM

    @John F doe: No your voting for far worse. The fact you ignore what your party has done shows you are as bad as Mary Lou. Pretty sad life you live. Pointing the finger at others while ignoring your crimes. Our children won’t thank you that’s for sure

    20
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    Mute John F doe
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    Nov 1st 2024, 2:34 AM

    @Ger Whelan: I am glad you are admitting that she is a terrible person, I fully agree

    1
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    Mute John F doe
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    Nov 1st 2024, 2:36 AM

    @Ger Whelan: what crime have I committed? That a very serious allegation that you might want to run by your solicitor

    1
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    Mute Paul Gorry
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    Nov 1st 2024, 2:37 AM

    @John F doe: Go have a w ank and put it in a tissue. That’s your level when it comes to talking about children. Should i put your juvenile ” lol ” at the end of my comment? Absolutely not

    12
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    Mute Ger Whelan
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    Nov 1st 2024, 2:38 AM

    @John F doe: the same crimes as Mary Lou. Just like her your ignoring your organisation protecting pedophiles

    12
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    Mute John F doe
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    Nov 1st 2024, 2:56 AM

    @Paul Gorry: lol

    1
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    Mute Ger Whelan
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    Nov 1st 2024, 3:17 AM

    @John F doe: why are ignoring the decades of abuse and the protection of pedos by FF and FG?. Your a very evil person to ignore it

    15
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    Mute John F doe
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    Nov 1st 2024, 3:46 AM

    @Ger Whelan: any proof of that?

    1
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    Mute Ger Whelan
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    Nov 1st 2024, 4:21 AM

    @John F doe: this thread is proof of you ignoring that FG and FF protected pedo. You refuse to even think of acknowledging it. Instead you bury your head in the sand and stick your hand up and point at SF.

    10
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    Mute John F doe
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    Nov 1st 2024, 5:11 AM

    @Ger Whelan: provide your evidence… I’d say you are going to have some hangover tomorrow lol

    2
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    Mute Ger Whelan
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    Nov 1st 2024, 5:45 AM

    @John F doe: Did you happen to the apologies your friends in FF and FG gave the people of Ireland for their actions is protecting the church for decades while children were being raped?. Or did you miss the apology your friends in FF and FG gave for it’s actions while kids were being abused, murdered and sold off while in state care? Plenty of evidence of FG and FF doing nothing to protect the children of this country for Decades. But hey let’s just say it’s only SF because that helps you feel better doesn’t it?

    16
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    Mute John F doe
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    Nov 1st 2024, 6:32 AM

    @Ger Whelan: in English please lol

    2
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    Mute ItWasLikeThatWhenIGotHere
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    Nov 1st 2024, 6:58 AM

    @Ger Whelan: @Ger Whelan: “John F doe” is just a troll, trying to get a rise out of people

    The style seems identical to some other accounts that have disappeared, presumably banned by The Journal.

    13
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    Mute John F doe
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    Nov 1st 2024, 8:16 AM

    @ItWasLikeThatWhenIGotHere: the usual tired response when you can’t debate #boring

    1
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    Mute Pork Hunt
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    Nov 1st 2024, 8:23 AM

    @Paul Gorry: lol

    1
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    Mute Karen Marten
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    Nov 1st 2024, 10:55 AM

    @Ger Whelan: may I remind all the chest beaters on here this is about children being blocked from receiving education not about your views on political parties or using vile language on this topics your all clueless to what this is really about parents and kids .

    5
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    Mute Trevor Donoghue
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    Nov 1st 2024, 1:54 PM

    @John F doe: Stop ignoring the question

    1
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    Mute Mary Kelly
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    Nov 1st 2024, 8:21 AM

    Maybe not a popular opinion but I think the closing of special schools and the pushing of inclusive schools may in theory sound good, but hasn’t worked out. My nephew with additional needs started out in mainstream school with his siblings. My brother and sil made the decision to move him to a special school at 9, it was difficult to find a place and involved more of a journey but my now teenage nephew has friends who are his peers and with the same interests and needs as him.

    46
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    Mute sakk sa
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    Nov 1st 2024, 1:37 AM

    Incorrect, to see psychological expert testing my child takes 19 -36 months
    Stop lies

    46
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    Mute Karen Marten
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    Nov 1st 2024, 10:59 AM

    @sakk sa: and the rest. It’s disgraceful parents paying €650 + for private assessments then there s no place for their child in school or not enough resources in schools

    7
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    Mute Michael o connor
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    Nov 1st 2024, 6:46 AM

    The comments in this thread shows the level the journal has plummeted to. Unreadable drivel from head bangers!

    38
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    Mute Hayagriva
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    Nov 1st 2024, 8:19 AM

    @Michael o connor: best ignore them. If they want to waste their day in the comments of thejournal.ie of all places let them

    11
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    Mute Anthony Curran
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    Nov 1st 2024, 9:13 AM

    @Michael o connor: Mute them. It feels wonderful to ignore them. Let John effinDi ckhead talk to himself :)

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    Mute Jerry LeFrog
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    Nov 1st 2024, 10:12 AM

    @Anthony Curran: as much as this is welcome to mute them, as soon as such accounts are banned, they keep reappearing. A bit like the mythological Lernaean Hydra… And you have to mute yet more accounts every day.
    Not replying to them (and no thumbs up) is also a very good start for everyone.

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    Mute Anthony Curran
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    Nov 1st 2024, 3:21 PM

    @Jerry LeFrog: Just mute their new accounts. It takes 5 seconds. Deprive them of attention and they’ll soon get bored.

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    Mute Eddienowy Byrne
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    Nov 1st 2024, 8:17 AM

    Ah sure what would the parents affected know about such serious issues god love them their only tax payers.

    17
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    Mute miss lojo
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    Nov 1st 2024, 10:47 AM

    Norma Foley is not fit for her role. We need to get her out

    17
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    Mute Paddy C
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    Nov 1st 2024, 8:48 AM

    What planet is she on there’s awaiting list in schools all around my area with parents being told because the list is the way it is you may never get a place demand is so high what a joke that clown is.

    25
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    Mute John F doe
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    Nov 1st 2024, 12:16 AM

    Yet another reason to vote for the mighty FG- simply the best :)

    8
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    Mute Karen Marten
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    Nov 1st 2024, 11:01 AM

    @John F doe: get off

    2
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    Mute offside again
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    Nov 1st 2024, 12:41 AM

    In France it’s called ‘chardon’. Nearest thing I can think of is ‘thistle’.
    Eatable with a good white cheesy sauce.

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    Mute Hunt Ley
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    Nov 1st 2024, 7:59 AM

    Again. The I competence of the senior civil servants is all over this.
    Those prople could give turds a masterclass in how to float.

    9
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    Mute pauley870
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    Nov 1st 2024, 1:28 PM

    God love poor Norma she’s not the sharpest pencil in the box

    5
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    Mute Rosie Martin
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    Nov 1st 2024, 10:31 PM

    Wow..the arrogance, many kids have no school places, with some families having to relocate hundreds of km away from their place of work.
    FF as usual spinning a fake narrative.
    She needs to come to a family who has a child with additional needs and has no school place or some have no school bus despite having a bus ticket, to get an education on matters.
    So tired of the misinformation from this gov.

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    Mute Karen Marten
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    Mon 11:51 PM

    If there is enough spaces the all.those parents must making it up so.

    1
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