John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Unfortunately, I could not make my point because of the interruptions but I realise I am saying something the Deputies do not want to hear. I remind Deputy Hayes that in my opening comment I supported the Minister and the amendment. That is all-embracing in terms of what must be contained in the Government amendment.

Parts of the special education programme have not been abandoned or curtailed. The Government has recognised that rather than give a commitment on the full implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act that could not be delivered, we took the opposite view of putting in place the base structure.

I support what the Minister said. He has taken advice that he can publicly stand over and in that context he has my full support.

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