Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with Deputies Conlon, Curran and Connick.

It is traditional to thank the Deputy who tabled the motion and I am pleased to applaud the efforts of my constituency colleague, Deputy Brian Hayes. The motion gave the Minister the opportunity to make a comprehensive statement on the issue and outline the major improvements in special education in recent years. Deputy Deenihan chided me recently for praising Ministers, which I do occasionally.

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