Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I wish to raise the important issue of education and I ask the Taoiseach to join with me in wishing well all students sitting the junior certificate and leaving certificate examinations this morning, to wish them well for the future and also to thank the teachers and parents for their magnificent effort and the often extra hours devoted to providing this educational service. Will the Taoiseach agree that education is a major strategy for ending poverty and disadvantage? Will he also agree that education should be top of the agenda to achieve economic growth and social inclusion? Why then are the Taoiseach and the Minister for Education and Skills cutting supports by 10% for children with special needs?

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