Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I had a conversation yesterday with a parent whose child is six years of age and has access to one hour of school a day. That is what she has been offered. When she asked what she should do when she is in difficulty at home, she was advised to contact the Garda. I welcome that the Minister is here and I welcome the statement he made. It is important for him to acknowledge that his Department has failed children consistently. I join my colleague, Deputy Ó Laoghaire, in acknowledging the work of this committee in shining a light on this issue.

The issue of data collection is key. It is shocking that we do not know how many children are affected by reduced timetables. Will the Department pursue an overhaul of its data collection, maintenance and presentation policy? If so, will this include an expansion of proper data management practices to other areas affecting children with special educational needs such as the provision of ASD special classes in post primary education? I note that the Minister's opening statement did not highlight the drastic difference in numbers between primary and secondary schools when it comes to ASD classes. I ask him to comment on that.

What will the Department do to address the lack of specialist training regarding special needs education for teachers in mainstream schools? Continuing professional development for special needs education is currently available for teachers. Will the Department open this continuing professional development to special needs assistants who are currently left out of such CPD programmes?

The Minister will know the Special Needs Parents Association has recognised the role of home tuition in supporting children who have fallen through the gaps left behind by the Department. Will the Department take any action to expand access to home tuition and home tuition payments for students on reduced timetables?