Margaret Conlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Leas-Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to address this motion. For many years I was a teacher and during that period I witnessed and worked through years of neglect of students with special needs. In many cases, students who were unique but different were ignored. Thankfully, in 2008, vast improvements have taken place and more are coming. We have transformed the provision of educational opportunities for children with special needs.

As a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science, I visited two schools last month where I witnessed first-hand how the Government is laying the foundations throughout the country for improving education for children with special needs. It was unfortunate that no member of the Opposition visited the schools with us for what was for me a valuable learning experience.

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