Thanks @primedteacher.bsky.social for writing this passionate piece for us today

I’m deeply disappointed to see that my comment, along with all others on Norma Foley’s post, has been removed. For context, here it is again.

In case I disappear again - I'm here on the other place. I give out less there. www.instagram.com/ciarareillyt...

So yeah. This platform. Did it take off? Worth hanging around? I mean, I need a platform that isn't just my Instagram to share my usual stream of frustration with this government *and* to state the obvious - yes, Ana the Jack Russell was absolutely robbed at Crufts. Robbed.

Didn't use this platform in months and straight in, I'm giving out.

The days of the AON are numbered, the only way they'll ever get through that 14,000 waiting list is by eliminating it. This is already happening with the autism protocol. They're only delighted that so many of us have gone private for our assessments! This is the model! Their choice! Privatisation.

I understand that politicians need to share their media appearances, but I was shocked that Minister Norma Foley seemed so pleased after that harrowing hour of radio yesterday. That brave mother shared nothing but isolation and despair, yet after it, the Minister posts about her delight.

I love Áine Lawlor. 😂 #GE24

This. People need to understand that no single political party can solve this issue, nor could even the most capable Minister. The real problem lies with the permanent officials in the Department and the HSE. Until their behaviour and inaction is addressed, no meaningful change will happen. #GE24

It's worth noting that not only has the Disabilities Minister lost her seat, but the Health Minister is also likely to lose his. Meanwhile, the Minister for Special Education is fighting to hold onto the final seat. The tripartite of political aid that disabled Irish children need. Telling. #GE24

Now that Minister Anne Rabbitte has lost her seat, she should do a public exit interview. As a final act of service, she should outline just how many blockages there are in the PDS system and how it is almost impossible, politically, to change anything in disability services as it stands. #GE24

They have learned *nothing*. Nothing from Kanturk, nothing from the doorsteps, nothing from the referendum. This is such a terrible choice/medium. SEN isn't the one to unleash the AI gimmick on. #GE24 www.instagram.com/reel/DC6vsVZ...

Days like these. I’m thrilled for all our students, but especially for the cohort of undergrads graduating yesterday and today. As the LC class of 2020, they faced immense challenges - no school grad, no debs, and a disrupted start to third-level. Despite it all, they persevered. And now, they rise.

If you’re still awake after the #rtept Leaders’ Debate - and would like 25 minutes of hot takes on how it went down - can I interest you in a special post-show edition of the Group Chat? Now up on Spotify (open.spotify.com/episode/2NPZ...) and Apple (podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/t...)!

Handy present this year. 43 spreadsheets, a few smarties and the prospect of the Louth count going well into next week. What more could you want? Happy birthday @gavreilly.com. You are the best. 🎂

Hard to win when some are playing for a draw #GE24

Given the state of things based on tonight's discussion, you'd be forgiven for thinking we were in the depths of a recession, unaware of the wealth this country holds. #GE24

Isn't it just so horrific to think that Aoife Johnston is now a talking point. A person. A life. May she rest in peace. Bless her family and friends tonight. #GE24

Are we clear? Clear.

It is humbling to see that the two major social issues discussed tonight - homelessness and disability services - have been reduced to reliance on charity. Despite the wealth in this state, these critical areas remain dependent on charitable provision. #GE24

It's a Housing OPPORTUNITY. #GE24

I'll tell you what we don't need. Universal payments for all when certain individuals need more. That 'Acorn Savings Scheme' for one can be shelved. Think back on that budget just gone. Eaten bread is soon forgotten, and the public deserve more credit. One-off payments can get in the bin. #GE24

#leadersdebate #RTEPrimeTime #GE24 Just while the topic of discussion is disabilities... From last week:

Laura is in the tribe too. Every word. Every word of this. #GE24

I am one of the parents who has cried. Cries. We are a tribe. All we have is each other. In Ireland, you are utterly alone in trying to help your disabled child. You do it all alone. The State has cut us loose. I fully expect my daughter to reach adulthood without any public therapy. #GE24

#GE24 Nobody believes a word any of them are saying on therapy access. We have no reason to trust them. Exhibit A:

It's 8.27am on the Monday of an election week and we're talking about the teacher shortage 'opportunity' on Morning Ireland. Miracles can happen. You wouldn't get it in a crisis. #edchatie

Thorough and thoughtful interviewing by @audreycarville.bsky.social just now. Holding the Tánaiste to account and not just accepting his lines on disability and education. Not giving him an inch. #edchatie

Case in point. There is someone on @morningireland.bsky.social explaining what a Section 39 agency is. They provide voluntary, non-statutory services. For us, this means that my daughter's "services" have been handed over to a charity who are not equipped to provide for her needs. #GE24

🗳️ #GE24 POLL: Irish Times/Ipsos B&A (Nov 20-23, MoE 2.8%) Fianna Fáil 21 (+2 in ten days) Sinn Féin 20 (+1) Fine Gael 19 (-6) Social Democrats 6 (+2) Labour 4 (-1) Greens 4 (+1) Aontú 3 PBP-Solidarity 3 (+1) Independents/others 17 (-3) www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...

Reflecting further on Kanturk, and its fallout. The media have not done enough to explain how disability services/education access is a *massive deal* on the doorstep. I truly think that it is so misunderstood by journalists themselves, they don't go near it. #GE24

Didn't #GE24 the thread, did I.

Thread. The causes that could. Education and disability managed to make their space into this campaign, against all odds. Two of the high-profile incidents that happened related to politicians/supporters not reading the room in these areas, and *they* highlighted the gaps. #edchatie

This. From someone who has seen it all to be able to say it. It's happening again to them. They did not learn. #GE24

Posted on X on October 16th I think it’s finally coming to the fore. Have been hearing from candidates that it has come up multiple times on doors, close to housing and cost of living. #GE24

Leaving disabled people to their own devices (and the care of their family, which you're going to need to have) is a *policy choice*. We all remember this from before the Referendum on Care. A different leader now, but the same party. I truly feel this weekend is a *moment* in #GE24.

Immigration was a red herring issue. It was disability and autism/ADHD services all along.

A few FG candidates on to me since last night with real concern about Kanturk moment. They feel it looks very bad for them and they expect it to be something they have to deal with for days to come. Disability issues and school access have repeatedly come up and have underfeatured in media

I happen to think Simon Harris is a good man. But he's also a Fine Gael politician, and blue runs deep in the veins. He needs to accept that nothing but absolute humility and empathy will cut it when speaking on disability matters. Little to nothing is working. Hear people. Listen. #GE24

Fine Gael needs to be careful. They cannot have another Referendum on Family and Care moment. The interaction between that woman and An Taoiseach last night does little to dispel the feeling that advocates are to be tolerated and ignored when an inconvenience. #GE24

In light of recent events (and the rest), it's a good idea for schools to review the personalities who feature in classroom materials and walls. One prominent individual features on a classroom printable which has, only recently, been withdrawn by a prominent commercial website. #edchatie

I just donated to the Rotunda Foundation Sexual Assault Treatment Unit and you can too. rotundafoundation.ie/donate/

I always note with interest the issues that the NPC choose to highlight. #edchatie www.irishtimes.com/ireland/educ...

12,722 children are now overdue an assessment of need. Some of us 'completed' the assessment a year ago and still await a service statement. We have nothing. I shared Doireann's story on @newstalkfm.bsky.social in an attempt to illustrate that a complete assessment is just the first step. What then?

Presented without comment.

Latest substack: On being a single-issue voter and the compromises that entail.

Free PR advice for opposition politicians this election: Spend time with a parent navigating at-home therapy for their high-needs child. These crucial, self-taught sessions often start as early as 4.30am here, run daily, and fill gaps left by a State offering no tailored support for the child. #GE24

Today! #edchatie

The RTE Upfront 10 way leaders Debate

Bingo card: Fundamentally. In terms of. Deeply cynical. I disagree with your presentation. Monopoly on empathy. No, I wouldn't accept that actually. (It's a boring Bingo game when only three people are playing 👀) #GE24 #RTÉUpfront #RTEUpfront