Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

Like the other speakers, I firmly believe all children have a right to education. I am sure Members on all sides believe this. It is the delivery of education to children with special needs, physical and mental, that requires support. The former Minister for Education and Science stated in the Seanad recently that the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities places a strong obligation on Governments to provide inclusive education for all learners. He said it requires states to ensure that "persons with disabilities are not excluded from the general education system on the basis of disability" and that "persons with disabilities can access an inclusive, quality, free primary education and secondary education on an equal basis with others in the communities in which they live". The essence of tonight's motion is ensuring inclusive education for all.

We have come a long way in terms of supporting children in obtaining their educational entitlements. That we have so many SNAs employed in our schools and a facility whereby children can gain access to and participate in mainstream education in addition to having their own special classes is evidence of this. However, the withdrawal of SNAs for children during the past academic year is the subject of tonight's debate. It was on the minds of those outside the gates of this House earlier today.

One should consider the role of SNAs in supporting children and young adults in school. Assisting pupils to board and alight from buses and assisting them with difficulties such as clothing and feeding sum up the role of an SNA.

The parents and principal of a child from whom an SNA is withdrawn should have a right to an independent appeal. The appeals process should be put in place. I appeal to the Minister to recognise that all children deserve an education and an opportunity to realise their full potential, regardless of where this lies for them. For some, this may involve a leaving certificate and, for others, it may just be an opportunity to gain valuable social skills, which is extremely important.

I appeal to the Minister to examine carefully the wording of tonight's motion. It is carefully structured and certainly spells out the need to implement the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, which has been neglected. It will go a long way towards ensuring full inclusivity for children.

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