'Please listen': Kildare parents of teen with special needs plead for place in school

The parents of a Kildare teen with additional needs are pleading for the government to not let him get left behind.

Edel and Dennis Murray have applied to five different special schools in hopes of finding a spot for their son Jack, who has autism and a “moderate intellectual disability.”

In an open letter to the government, the couple outlined how they have been trying to secure a future for their son.

“He is so much more than a diagnosis. He is our son, and he deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, build friendships, develop independence, and reach his full potential. But right now, Jack is at home—not because he doesn't need or deserve school, but because we have been unable to secure him a suitable special school placement,” they said.

Jack completed primary school in June 2026 and Edel and Dennis have applied to five special schools since.

They are Saplings School, St. Raphael's, Craddockstown, Ros Glas Community Special School, and St. Anne's Special School.

Jack has been refused a space at every school, despite living less than 1.5km from one of them.

“We cannot put into words the heartbreak and helplessness we feel. How do you explain to your child that there is no school place for him when all he needs is the opportunity to learn and grow?” they wrote.

Jack has a twin brother who is neurotypical and has started his first year of secondary school.

Edel and Dennis say they are “incredibly proud of both our boys,” but watching one move forward while the other remains at home is “devastating.”

Jack needs specialist support, structure, social interaction, and the chance to develop life skills and independence, but homeschooling is unable to provide what he needs.

“We understand that Jack's educational journey will look different from his brother's. However, different needs should never mean fewer opportunities... Jack is not a waiting list number, an application, or a statistic. He is our son. He is a child with a future,” Jack’s parents said.

“We are urgently calling on the Irish Government, the Minister for Education, the NCSE, and everyone responsible for special education to listen to families like ours. We need more suitable special school places, a system that does not leave children without access to education, a clear pathway forward for families who have exhausted every option, and urgent action to ensure children like Jack are not left behind,” they added.

“Jack deserves a place. Jack deserves a future. Jack deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Please listen to us. Please listen to the families who are struggling. Please do not allow our children to be forgotten. With love, heartbreak, and determination, Edel & Dennis Murray, Jack's Parents,” the letter concludes.

A spokesperson from the Department of Education issued the following statement:

“The Department of Education and Youth does not comment on individual cases. However, we recognise that for families who are still seeking an appropriate school placement for their child, this can be a challenging and uncertain time.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has advised that, subject to geographic considerations, there is sufficient specialist capacity to support children and young people seeking specialist placements for the 2026/27 school year. While admissions processes remain ongoing in some schools, the position continues to evolve, with schools making offers, families accepting places and additional places becoming available. Importantly, there are currently more special class places available than there is identified demand.

The NCSE continues to work directly with families across the country to support children and young people seeking special school and special class placements. Through its Parents Notify process, the NCSE has gathered detailed information on children requiring specialist placements and has used this information to inform planning and the sanctioning of additional provision where needed. As school admissions processes conclude and further placement offers issue, the NCSE remains actively engaged with both families and schools. We would encourage any family still seeking a placement to continue engaging with the NCSE, which is available to provide advice and support.

The Department of Education and Youth and the NCSE remain committed to delivering a high-quality, inclusive education system where every child and young person is supported to reach their full potential. Reflecting this commitment, funding for special education will reach €3 billion in 2026, representing the highest ever annual investment in this area and an increase of 58% compared with 2020.

The 2026/27 school year will also see the largest expansion of specialist educational provision in the history of the State. Through the combined efforts of the department and the NCSE, 587 new special classes have been sanctioned, including 70 inclusive special classes. In addition, more than 500 new special school places are being provided through the opening of four new special schools and the expansion of existing schools. Overall, more than 4,000 new specialist educational places are being delivered for the coming school year, ensuring increased capacity to meet the needs of children and young people requiring additional support.”