Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)

I commend Deputy Brian Hayes on tabling this motion in the House. The decision to withdraw mild general learning disability classes from primary schools has caused outrage up and down the country. St. Senan's national school in Kilrush, County Clare, provides a vital service to the west Clare peninsula. Having visited the school and having spoken with the principal, I fully appreciate the importance of the current service to the three children it serves. This special class must be retained, as it accommodates children with severe disabilities. It affords its three students the most appropriate model of education and is specific to their needs. They simply would not be able to cope in mainstream education. The medical evidence presented to the Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, by the school and parents proves this. If this class is removed and the service discontinued, the students in question will need to travel to Ennis, 30 to 40 miles away from their homes. It is a round trip of 60 to 80 miles per day. The medical evidence produced to the Minister's office proves that the children's health will not be able to withstand this travel.

The unique geographical case presented by the west Clare peninsula must be taken into consideration when providing educational cover to County Clare. In order to have a proper primary educational system, west Clare warrants such a special class to serve its population. It seems the class in St. Senan's national school has been identified and earmarked purely on statistical grounds. I extend an invitation to the Minister to visit the school and see at first hand the wonderful work that takes place there day in and day out.

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