Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

The only reason these circumstances are allowed to persist is that the Government believes the numbers of those at the bottom of the pile who are unable to pay for professional help will never be sufficient to change the Government. It is nothing short of disgraceful that this is allowed to happen.

We have all the evidence in the world to show that when the system works it works exceedingly well. The problem is that we also know that many children, for many reasons, cannot secure the service they fundamentally require. I am ashamed of some of the Government Deputies. While I cannot deny the Government has been responsible for some good measures in education, in so far as this issue is concerned it has made a major mistake in failing to help those who cannot help themselves. I hope it takes notice of the motion tabled by my party's education spokesperson, Deputy Brian Hayes. Irrespective of which party does the job it will be a good day when the necessary action is taken because it will make many people much happier in the years to come.

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