Mr. Michael O'Flanagan:

I agree with both Dr. Brady and Mr. Harris. In respect of resources, the survey we did showed that any reduction in resources would have a negative impact on kids, whatever those resources look like. We are currently doing our Same Chance report and have had more than 1,600 responses. One particular question focused on education and reduced timetables specifically. We know from the more than 1,600 people who have been put on a reduced timetable over the past 12 months that 30% of the changes have been made without consent. If we look open-ended of those data, the reason for that is the schools do not have enough resources. It means 30% of the cohort are missing school days as a result of a lack of resources and without those wraparound supports, whether they are SNAs or SETs, we are likely to see a further increase in that regard.

I will make one other point. Deputy Ó Ríordáin has left the meeting but no parent should have to fight to access resources. I come at this issue from a personal and professional perspective. We see far too many families who have to struggle to get simply resources that will have a positive impact.