Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

There has been a significant cut in the number of special needs assistants over the past nine months. Many families are very concerned and angry about what has happened. There were protests outside the House again yesterday in regard to the cut in the number of special needs assistants, the cut to the domiciliary care allowance and so forth. The Minister said there will not be any further cuts in 2013 which will be the same as 2012 but that is after all the cuts have been made. It is blatant spinning of the situation and it is unacceptable.

Will the Taoiseach indicate when the Education and Training Boards Bill be brought before the House in order that we can debate and facilitate genuine interaction between the Minister and Members on what is happening to education for children with special needs generally, on the ongoing cutbacks and on the gap between official speak and the reality on the ground in regard to this issue?

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