Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

Is the Minister aware that some parents of children with disabilities continue to experience problems enrolling their children? Families of children with autism, in particular, are encountering major difficulty obtaining places in primary school.

We all welcome the targeting of resources on the most needy, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Is it not time to move on to support children with disabilities in the broader school system? Does the Minister accept that every child only gets one shot at the education system and needs must, therefore, be provided for at an early age?

Is the Minister aware that many teachers complain about the bureaucracy associated with learning supports? For example, teachers are pulled out of classrooms to attend meetings and case conferences, with the result that service for children with disability is diminished.

As regards the figure of 1,500 learning support teachers, will a plan be produced in the coming years to determine the effect of these additional resources on pupils with disabilities in mainstream primary schools?

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