Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)

They were hoping the Minister would find time, despite his busy life, to visit the school. I have heard the Minister outline the figures and I realise this whole area is a huge cost to the Department of Education and Skills. However, the situation of many of these parents and their children is difficult given the cuts they have already suffered. Their children were participating somewhat in mainstream education but that has had to stop because there has not been enough attention. While I know there is not an endless supply of money, these children are very vulnerable.

The Minister said that experts make the decisions. It would be great if the Minister could find the time to see the situation for himself to decide whether he is in agreement with the parents that they cannot suffer any more cuts. They find it hard not to cry when they are talking to me. It is very difficult, which I know the Minister understands. The parents are frustrated that they have found it very difficult to get responses from the Department. Their calls have not been returned for four months now and they feel they have been facing a wall of silence from the Department and the Government. It would be great if there were channels of communication. If the Minister could find the time to visit, it would be magnificent.

See this speech in context