Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I support my colleagues and ask the Minister why this case was so protracted. This has been a terrible time for the Ó Cuanacháin family as it has sought a basic education for Seán. The family is not unique — many are in a similar situation. When we look back, this will be seen as one of the great scandals of our era. At a time of unlimited resources over the past few years it is an outrageous situation. The buck stops with the Minister and, no matter how she or the Department tries to dress this up, it is outrageous that a family must go to court to seek a basic education for a vulnerable child. Nothing can excuse it.

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