Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. We all recognise that children with special educational needs rely heavily on the State. Supports appropriately provided and administered early to improve their educational experience and outcomes are vital. I acknowledge that there is an enormous cost involved in the provision of SNA support. However, current demand for such support is phenomenal and growing. The proposed cap will put the service under severe pressure. I accept that we do not have an endless supply of money but special needs children are more vulnerable than the average child. In the past, many of these children were abandoned. They did not receive the type of support available to others during the past number of years. It is now recognised that with the right supports these children can flourish and become a positive part of mainstream society, which previously was not acknowledged.

I understand full implementation of the EPSEN Act will cost the State more. However, as has been stated many times, our top priority must be to assist those most in need. There is no doubt but that within the education system special needs children are the most dependent on the State.

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