Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We had a good news story last week in Cork relating to the foundation of a new special school in Carrigaline. As a public representative, I found that process exhausting and I can only imagine what parents fighting for a number of years for that right felt. Consequently it is very welcome news. Listening to Senator Dolan, however, it is clear that there are similar issues in other parts of the country. Any public representative will tell you that the vast majority of parents who come to him or her regarding special education provision feel exhausted. The common trend seems to involve fighting against the system. This is in no way meant to be critical of special education needs organisers, SENOs, and the NCSE but it leads me to question their roles. Do they have enough power to do the job they need to do? They are the main point of communication for many parents. Is there any way we can enhance their role, be it legislatively or through the Department? Could Dr. Muldoon answer that question?