Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all our contributors today for the breadth of contributions from many different groups. I am based in Ballinasloe and from the Roscommon and Galway area so I am very much aware of the lack of capacity for children with special needs, particularly in Ballinasloe. It is an area very close to my heart as we try to fight for places for children in special schools and additional accommodation. It is vital, particularly for children going to school in September. We are fortunate as we got some additional accommodation recently and now have two more classrooms for children in the area for September.

The voice of the advocate is crucial and in that regard I welcome Ms Turley. It is a challenge to speak to a large group but it is really important for us to hear voices like hers and listen to them. She mentioned several matters on behalf of Inclusion Ireland. I am conscious there has been a period since enactment of the EPSEN Act and a number of matters remain outstanding. This year, we have welcomed the fact that more than €2 billion, or over 20% of the education budget, has been allocated to special educational needs. I know it probably has to make up for the shortfalls in previous times but we are looking for advances to be made quickly. The Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, has looked to review this as well.

I will ask Ms Turley about her experience.

Ms Turley mentioned class sizes and teacher training. What might the inclusive nature of the new teacher training that has been mentioned involve?

In respect of mental health and disability, I am a member of the Oireachtas Joint Sub-Committee on Mental Health. Are there any points the witnesses wish to make on that? Mr. Adam Harris spoke to us last week at a meeting of the mental health sub-committee and it was really powerful. Regarding this issue, I know it is looking at amending the Act to take into account more recent developments. What recent developments relating to autism should be included in it as an amendment?

I thank Dr. Muldoon for his contribution. He mentioned a number of different items, including unmet needs and in particular how there is a waiting period for assessments of need because it has not been developed and we do not have a statutory basis for a number of other areas. I do not know if he has any figures relating to that. I am curious about assessment of need. Are there any other comments he wishes to make on that?