Dáil debates
Thursday, 13 May 2004
Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill 2003: Report Stage (Resumed).
12:00 pm
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
I would like to raise another important issue here because this section covers the designation of schools. I am concerned that schools may try to opt out of being designated by the council. Does the Minister envisage giving the council a role to ensure that all schools are inclusive and do not set up obstacles by not looking for resource teachers, physical access and so on? There is a risk that certain schools will decide it is easier to run their business without children who have special needs. They will try therefore not have the kind of resources necessary to accommodate a child with special needs and avoid being designated. What are the Minister's views on how he might direct the council to avoid this and to ensure that all schools are open and inclusive of children with special needs?
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