'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.

The Department of Education has been contacted for comment.