Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

This debate is not about how much is spent in the Estimates but how it is spent. Like the Minister and other Members, I received many pre-budget submissions from such organisations as the Carers Association, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the National Childrens Nurseries Association. All the submissions contained good proposals but we will have to wait for the budget to see how many of these suggestions have been taken on board. Many of the organisations concerned are run on a voluntary basis, meaning it is important that every cent is spent wisely and in a equitable manner.

There are areas where moneys can be spent wisely but savings made at the same time. I recently asked the Minister for Education and Science how much was spent on court cases to challenge parents seeking special educational needs places for their children. I was informed a sum of €20 million was spent and that only a fraction of this amount was dedicated to settlements. Almost all of the cases were settled when services were provided. I believe the figure included in the Estimates for this area is €30 million. If it were targeted correctly and to provide special educational needs places, savings would be made on courts cases which should not be taken in a country that is so well-off. Not only is it good economics, it is also good social policy.

See this speech in context