Inver College’s ASD Unit officially open by Minister Josepha Madigan

Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board (CMETB) were delighted to welcome Minister Josepha Madigan – The Minister for Special Education and Inclusion – to the Official Opening of Inver College’s ASD Unit.

The new ASD unit at Inver College was officially opened by Minister Madigan on Friday 26th August. This new unit will be Inver College’s second ASD class with another 3 classes in the pipeline.

Cllr Colm Carthy, (Chairperson, CMETB Board) and Dr Fiona McGrath (Chief Executive, CMETB) welcomed Minister Madigan to Inver College. Principal Cormac Flynn and the schools ASD Co-Ordinator Ms. Helen Clinch gave the Minister and invited guests a tour of the new classrooms and the learning environment which the students have named ‘The Homeroom’ – as it represents “a home from home” for the students.

At the event, Minister Madigan said her “number one priority as Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education has been to ensure that every child in this country has access to a school place”.

The Minister praised Principal Cormac Flynn and Inver College’s staff on their commitment to expanding their SEN capacity to enable more students with additional needs to attend the school in Co Monaghan.

Speaking at the opening event Dr Fiona McGrath (Chief Executive, CMETB) said: “The opening of Inver College’s ASD unit reinforces CMETB’s commitment to inclusion and inclusive education.  The opening of these classrooms is a wonderful addition to Carrickmacross.”

“Our schools are hubs of the community – the fundamental principle of inclusive education is the valuing of diversity in the community and the contribution that every person can make.”

“Promoting inclusive education in our schools has immense benefits for families, where siblings can all go to the same school and students don’t have to travel far to access education.”

In her speech, Minister Madigan highlighted the importance of children being educated within their locality and said her department is currently working on implementing policy around that.