Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy indicated I am hiding behind the NCSE. This Parliament established the National Council for Special Education as an independent body. The Minister should not interfere in the operations of the council, which has a job to do. Criteria have been laid down for determining whether a child requires a special needs assistant. The scheme is demand led and if a child meets the criteria, a special needs assistant is provided. If a child with special needs moves on, the SNA post should be vacated. I am glad the Deputy concurs with me in that regard.

In certain circumstances, a child with special needs will no longer require the same level of support. We are trying to train children with special needs to cope with independent living. Thankfully, many hundreds of them now live independently as a result of the support they received. Needs will, therefore, diminish.

The Deputy asked about consultation with parents. I have made clear that the National Council for Special Education is prepared to discuss with schools the set up in a school and the appropriateness of the placement of children with special needs in the school. The council is also prepared to talk to parents. In response to the next question, which has been tabled by the Deputy and relates to a specific school, I will outline in greater detail what is being done in the school in question.

See this speech in context