Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

My first question is similar to that of Deputy McConalogue. When we met representatives of the NCSE recently, its representatives were adamant that there were more than enough resources in place to meet demand. However, when we speak to parents and groups they maintain that has not been their experience. There are differing opinions about whether enough resources have been allocated or whether the issue relates to the criteria used. Will the association expand on this and especially on the criteria for diagnosis as opposed to arising need?

The other issue referred to by the association in its submission was the school transport scheme and the difficulties facing parents with special needs children. They provided some examples, but are there any numbers to support this and show how it is affecting people? I was rather surprised when I read the submission, especially the reference to the circular. It is astonishing that the criteria used to determine eligibility for the school transport scheme do not take into account special educational needs, and this is having a significant impact. If one does not take into account these particular circumstances then one is limiting the options available to families and parents. Will the association elaborate on this point?

Will the representatives expand on the transition from primary to post-primary education? Having spoken to parents I feel this is a particular area where there is considerable scope for improvement, especially when we know certain students will be graduating to post-primary. It is almost like starting again when a student graduates to post-primary and there appears to be no consideration of this in terms of preparing a student in fifth or sixth class for the transition to post-primary school. I would appreciate if the association gave us some of its experiences.