I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Private Members' motion this morning. The Opposition must be licking their wounds somewhat because it certainly missed the boat with this motion. It has failed to understand that the best environment for the pupils involved is the school classroom and the way forward is exactly as the Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, has outlined. This motion is a poor effort at paying party politics.

The Government and the Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, must be commended for their efforts on special educational needs. The contribution of the Government over the past ten years has been very significant if one considers the last time the Opposition was in Government.

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