Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

The Deputy had an opportunity to speak and will have another one tomorrow night.

A teacher told the INTO meeting in County Wexford that, having taught a class of 30 or 35 pupils in Dublin, he moved to a new Educate Together school in Gorey where he teaches a class of between ten and 20 pupils. This, he said, had made a big difference in terms of teaching and controlling his class and allows him to spend extra time with each pupil.

The Government tells us it has done this and that in the area of special needs when it has not done anything in this area. If the Minister were to attend my clinic or that of Deputy Connaughton, she would quickly find out what issues concern parents. During a recent Adjournment debate, I raised the issue of a child who, although unable to hold a pencil in his hand, has failed to secure assistance from the Department.

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