Margaret Conlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Anyone who believes they have grounds for appeal should use the appeal mechanism. It should be an independent process. I listened to what the Minister said tonight and I hope the independent appeals committee will be truly independent. If it is to be impartial and to deliver results, it must be so. As previously stated, special education remains a key priority for this Government. Despite the ongoing economic difficulties and competing demands for funds, the renewed programme for Government announced in October 2009 commits to further investment in the development of services for pupils with special educational needs, a significant achievement at a time of reduced public spending.

The Government has ensured that additional supports for children with special educational needs are in place in schools throughout the country. Our policies and level of investment have delivered more teachers, special needs assistants, specialist equipment, assistive technology for children with special needs and specially adapted schools. So much has happened in the past ten years. I welcome the increases in NEPS psychologists, which is hugely important. Every primary and post primary school in the country should have a NEPS psychologist. The Government is committed to no further increase in pupil-teacher ratios in primary and second level schools over the lifetime of this Government and to providing 500 extra teaching posts during the next three years.

The Government's investment in special needs provision speaks for itself. It has transformed the ability of schools to provide for all children but we can do more. Investment must continue to be made. The Government will continue to provide support to children with special educational needs. Those children who require support should and will get it. We will continue to provide investment to ensure schools are in a position to welcome all students and to provide a fully inclusive education to those students.

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