More than 30 children without school places taking High Court action
High Court
has heard.
A total of 34 cases were listed on Friday in the High Court, where parents are legally challenging the Minister for Education and Youth and the
National Council for Special Education
(NCSE) on the failure to provide school places for children with special needs.
Brendan Hennessy BL, who is representing the children in cases, told the High Court on Friday that the final figure on legal challenges over the lack of school places for children with special needs for September could be as high as 50.
Ms Justice Sara Phelan, who is case managing the list, said two judges will be available in September to deal with the challenges. Three days have also been set aside in July.
READ MORE
The judge issued what she called 'a word of warning' saying that the
Department of Education
and the NCSE process in relation to the provision of school places should start earlier next year so that it is not in the same position.
Ms Justice Phelan was told by the State that places had been offered to children in seven of the cases. Hearing dates in July have been given for the legal challenges in three cases, and four cases are expected to back those up.
The judge was told there are now 20 cases left on the High Court list in relation to children who have not got places for the start of the school term, but more cases are being brought all the time and the final figure could be 40 to 50 cases before the court.
Mr Hennessy, instructed by KM Solicitors, asked that every court slot be allocated.
'Parents are worried that one of them may have to give up employment come September. All that parents want to know is do they have a guaranteed school place,' he said.
He said parents will also need written, guaranteed confirmation of school places. He pointed out that the case of a seven-year-old boy had settled at the end of last year on the basis that the child would have a school place in April of this year after the completion of school building work. Counsel said the boy still has not got a school place.
Counsel for the State parties, Tony McGillicuddy SC, outlined to the court that in seven of the cases before the court, places had now been offered at schools.
He said the Department of Education and the NCSE were forming a plan and streamlining the system so that what happened this year does not happen next year.
The cases will be back before the court later this month.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
5 hours ago
- The Journal
Pilgrimage organisers seek priests willing to climb a mountain to hear confessions
THERE HAS BEEN a callout for priests to help minister sacraments at the top of Croagh Patrick for Reek Sunday – as the Church has been forced to halve the number of its services as a result of a diminished and ageing clergy. Reek Sunday, also known as Garland Sunday, is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of July. The pilgrimage sees thousands scale Mayo's Croagh Patrick – some barefoot – to celebrate St Patrick. Masses are held at the summit and the Eucharist and confessions are ministered by priests each hour from morning until late afternoon. However, an ageing clergy has created difficulty in sourcing enough priests able to climb the mountain to attend to the thousands that turn out for the pilgrimage. Administrator of Westport parish, Father John Kenny, has invited priests who have the capacity to make the journey to join him among other clergymen on Croagh Patrick on 27 June. The number of priests who have attended Reek Sunday has ranged between eight and up to 15 or 20 in recent years, Fr Kenny told The Journal . Masses on the mountain used to be held every half hour as pilgrims reached the summit at their own pace, but a shortage of priests has forced the masses to be halved, and they are now held hourly from 8am to 2pm on the day. Advertisement Fr Kenny said that it is doubtful there will be enough priests available for Reek Sunday again to return to the original schedule. The weekends are priests' busiest times and it is difficult to find the numbers. 'What happens sometimes is some of the priests that aren't able to climb the mountain anymore would cover for somebody who would be able to climb,' Fr Kenny said, 'and we're always happy that happens. So a retired priest might volunteer to cover for another priest, and by that we've given him the freedom to be to be able to go up the mountain.' Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Each year, between 5,000 and 10,000 people will turn out for the day. The crowds depend on the weather and whether there's a clash with an All-Ireland final, he said. Fr Kenny is hoping for a few priests to get in touch with his parish of Westport in the Archdiocese of Tuam if they are available for the day. However, there is a large amount of support for the religious affairs on Croagh Patrick with laypeople and Eucharistic Ministers supporting the clergy. Of the falling number of priests, Fr Kenny said that it is certainly a 'dramatic' change but there is simultaneously a surge in lay activity and involvement – something he says appears to be the imminent future of the Catholic Church in Ireland. The role of a priest seems to be slightly less appealing to younger people, he thinks, as 'we're living in a society for a good few years now where a long term commitment is something hard to give'. 'I suppose a lifelong vocation is maybe not going to be a feature of the future to the extent it was now, or has been in the past.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Times
8 hours ago
- Irish Times
A portrait of Robert Dudley Edwards by his doting granddaughter turns out to be gripping, unconventional and searingly honest
Robert (Robin) Dudley Edwards was a towering presence in Irish academic life for almost half a century in the course of which he helped change the way our history is taught and written. His lasting achievements are embodied in the history archive at UCD and the National Archives , which was established at his urging. Dudley, as almost everybody called him, was a familiar figure to generations of UCD students between the 1950s and the 1980s, and not just those who studied history. His striking, unconventional appearance – white hair sticking up on his balding head – combined with a high-pitched voice, made him an unforgettable character. His reputation was not confined to the university. Dudley was a well-known public figure during his lifetime, writing for newspapers, appearing on television and hobnobbing with successive taoisigh, while pestering them for more funding for the universities. His granddaughter Neasa MacErlean has written a biography of him with the provocative title Telling the Truth is Dangerous: How Robert Dudley Edwards Changed Irish History Forever. READ MORE This biography of an important, larger-than-life figure by a doting granddaughter defies expectations. It is a gripping read as unconventional as Dudley himself, searingly honest in telling the truth, warts and all, about the life of the historian and his family, including the author. Despite a promise to his wife, he started drinking in the late 1940s, and at times his drinking became a public embarrassment As a history student in UCD in the early 1970s, I experienced Dudley's impact on the department he had moulded. There was an excitement about studying history through questioning and debate, by which he had made the history department the most dynamic in the arts faculty. Dudley didn't just engage with the students in lectures or tutorials. He took an active part in the social life of the college. I recall him at the annual student history congresses drinking and dancing away into the small hours, behaving more like an undergraduate than a professor. When Dudley got married, he promised his wife that he would never drink alcohol because of the way her father had behaved violently when drunk. However, he started drinking in the late 1940s, and at times in subsequent decades his drinking became a public embarrassment. Everything about Dudley was unconventional, beginning with his birth in Dublin in 1909. His parents, Walter Edwards, an English man, and Bridget Teresa McInerney, a nurse from Co Clare, met in London. Walter was already married but separated from his wife, and he and Bridget moved to Dublin and set up home. Everybody, including their children, assumed they were married. It was only shortly before his death in 1946 that Walter revealed the secret to his son. History was Dudley's favourite subject from an early age. He took first place in Ireland in the subject in final school exams of 1926 and went on to study history in UCD, achieving a first-class honours degree in 1929. After completing his MA in 1931 he was awarded a scholarship to enable him to study for a doctorate at King's College, London. It was there that he struck up a friendship with fellow student Theodore Moody from Belfast. Dudley was awarded a doctorate in 1933 and published an extensively revised version of his thesis as Church and State in Tudor Ireland in 1935. It was a groundbreaking work. From the beginning Dudley had his heart set on an academic career but despite being elected as a member of the Royal Irish Academy in 1936, a suitable post was hard to find. By that stage he was married to teacher Síle Ní Shuilleabháin who kept bread on the table for her husband and three children, Owen, Mary and Ruth. Dudley kept up his research during these hungry years and also, in partnership with Moody, developed initiatives aimed at raising the standard of Irish historical scholarship, which culminated in the journal Irish Historical Studies, which they jointly edited. He eventually obtained a post as a lecturer in UCD in 1939 and in 1945 was promoted to professor of modern Irish history, a post he occupied until his retirement in 1979. It was from this vantage that he promoted the study of history through careful research in primary sources and a dispassionate presentation of the facts. Through his engagement with leading British historian Herbert Butterfield, he developed close connections between UCD and Peterhouse College, Cambridge. A number of his star pupils including Ronan Fanning, Patrick Cosgrave, James McGuire and his own daughter Ruth, went on to pursue further studies at Cambridge having completed their primary degrees at UCD. At UCD he adopted the Cambridge style of tutorials in which academics met students for discussion and debate on essay topics on a regular basis, apart from the formal lectures. His determination to free the teaching of history from unthinking acceptance of traditional narratives prompted students and historians to examine received wisdom and sources with a critical eye. In time this approach came to be dubbed 'revisionism' and it generated fierce debate among historians. 'Dudley was like no other professor I had ever met,' recalled Art Cosgrove. 'He didn't want agreement. He wanted people to disagree. Naturally he divided opinion both during his lifetime and after his death.' The arch critic of Dudley and Moody was the historian Brendan Bradshaw, who accused them of a chilly indifference to humanity and the rights and wrongs of the actions of significant historical figures. Dudley did actually make moral evaluations of the actions of some historical figures but he was consciously sparing in attributing blame. One way or another the controversy over 'revisionism' helped generate even more interest in Irish history and led to a flowering of research in Irish universities. The National Archives on Bishop Street. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw While Dudley established a vibrant history department, his own productivity in terms of publications was disappointing after his early brilliant work. His main achievements in his later years were the establishment of the UCD Archives Department and his persistence in persuading Garret FitzGerald to set up the National Archives during his time as taoiseach. One of the reasons for Dudley's disappointing work rate in his later career was his heavy drinking. MacErlean does not shy away from dealing with this aspect of his life, which led to some bad behaviour. Neasa MacErlean She also refers to her own troubled childhood. Her mother, Mary, who lived in England, had mental health problems and treated her quite appallingly at times. For her own safety she spent a lot of time with her grandparents in Dublin or with her aunt Ruth and her husband, Patrick Cosgrave, in Cambridge, who gave her the stability she lacked at home. Acknowledgment of Dudley's flaws has not dimmed Neasa's admiration for him and what he achieved. Telling the Truth Is Dangerous: How Robert Dudley Edwards Changed Irish History Forever by Neasa MacErlean is published by Tartaruga Books
Irish Times
21 hours ago
- Irish Times
Br Kevin Crowley remembered as ‘fearless and tireless advocate' for the most vulnerable in society
Br Kevin Crowley was a 'fearless and tireless advocate' for the most vulnerable in society and a man with a 'generous, passionate heart', the funeral of the late Capuchin Friar has heard. The founder of the Capuchin Day Centre for homeless people in Dublin died this week, aged 91. His funeral at the St Mary of the Angels church on Saturday morning, one street over from the homeless centre, was attended by hundreds of mourners who paid tribute to the man who represented 'the conscience' of the Irish people. Known to most simply as Br Kevin, he was 'a tireless advocate for those with no voice' and 'always had a particular affection for the vulnerable people in our country', Br Patrick Flynn told the packed church in Dublin 7. READ MORE He was a 'driven' and 'deeply religious' man who 'used his gifts well', the congregation heard. The Funeral of Br Kevin Crowley at the St Mary of the Angels Church in Dublin. Photograph: Tom Honan Mourners pay their respects by touching the coffin of Br Kevin Crowley. Photograph: PA Br Flynn recalled how Br Kevin awoke at 4am each morning, went to chapel for prayer at 4.30am and then walked over to the day centre to prepare for the hundreds of people who would arrive for breakfast. 'Kevin was really good at spotting people in distress and gently taking them under his wing,' he said. [ Br Kevin Crowley obituary: Champion of the homeless Opens in new window ] 'He wasn't perfect; he could be feisty and challenging. But what he did have in abundance was a generous, passionate heart.' Tributes were also paid to the staff and volunteers at the centre. 'He was never a one-man band,' said Br Flynn. 'One of his great gifts was to inspire other people to come with him.' Br Crowley's funeral cortege leaving the church. Photograph: Tom Honan A mourner reaches to touch Br Crowley's coffin on Saturday. Photograph: Tom Honan A letter sent from the Capuchin general council in Rome following Br Kevin's death – recalling how he had founded the day centre in 1969 in response to seeing homeless men eating from rubbish bins – was read out during the mass. It noted how the late Pope Francis, who visited the Capuchin centre during his visit to Ireland in 2018, said he was 'moved' by Br Kevin's 'beautiful' work in Dublin. Br Richard Hendrick, principal celebrant of the funeral, expressed the Capuchin friars' commitment to carry on Br Kevin's work into the future. 'It will continue and it will grow and as long as there are guests who wish to avail of the service, we make it our commitment as friars to be there for you along with the staff and the volunteers.' Saturday's funeral was attended by President Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina. Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell, retired archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin joined in the celebration of mass. Archdeacon David Pierpoint also attended, representing the Church of Ireland. Following the mass, the funeral procession made its way slowly up Church Street to the sound of applause from attendees and members of the local community. It turned on to King Street North and then to Bow Street where it stopped briefly in front of the Capuchin Day Centre. A mourner holds a funeral booklet for Br Kevin Crowley. Photograph: Tom Honan Alan Bailey, the centre's manager, recalled how Br Kevin had built it up from 'nothing' to providing daily breakfasts to 400 people and dinners to 700. This Saturday alone, just under 400 people attended for breakfast. 'We had to close early today to get to the funeral,' Mr Bailey said. When the centre opened in the late 60s, Br Kevin never could have imagined the hundreds of people who would be in need of food five decades later, said Mr Bailey. 'We never thought we'd still be here. There will come a day when we can close the door and say his work is done. But that day is not here yet.' Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said Br Kevin's life, and death, set the challenge to 'do better' in responding to the State's homelessness crisis. He 'respected people immeasurably' but was also 'extremely opinionated', said Ms McDonald. 'He couldn't have achieved what he achieved without incredible stamina and very strong opinions. He was a man of love but he hated poverty.' Senator Aubrey McCarthy, founder of the Tiglin Lighthouse homeless cafe, said Br Kevin was a 'beacon of light to thousands of people in the inner city' who worked 'without judgment' and with 'humility'. Mr McCarthy said he had contacted Dublin City Council and the Lord Mayor requesting a street in the capital be named after the friar. 'He would possibly not like it, but I do think we need to pay tribute to Br Kevin, who really made a difference to the people of Dublin.'
