Peter Roche (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I thank Ms Walsh and Mr. Kearney for being here and for their statement. I had an experience recently where a student had been identified as someone who would need a special needs resource in a school in east Galway. Internally, the school did exactly what we would expect it to do, which was to make an application for the resource, but it was refused. It should not have been, but it was, and therein lies the problem. Last week, I was reminded that the school must appeal that decision. The system should be simplified. It beggar's belief that an application was made based on the needs identified. Many things were presented in the context of that case, only for it to be rejected. We then find the school will have to appeal the decision. I am not sure if that is because of the policy or if it is just that this school did not present it in the way it should have. In any event, it is traumatising for parents to have the burden of having a child who needs that special educational support, but it is quite another story when what they feel their child requires by way of intervention and support and the first steps to getting a good education is being refused. It is hard.

I have a question for Ms Walsh or to Mr. Kearney. In light of the persistent delays in assessments and resource allocation reported by families and schools, what immediate steps is the NCSE taking to improve transparency, timeliness and accountability of the delivery of supports for children with special educational needs, especially those entering a new stage of education?