Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. My party has welcomed that report. We believe massive progress has been made on special education in the past 15 years in particular. An examination of the way we allocate resources is very important but it is crucial that we ensure it does not lead to any reduction in the resources and money provided nor any reduction of the services to students who need them. I am aware there was much concern following the increased demand on the system this year in particular.

There has been much evidence in recent years showing increased numbers of students with special needs leaving post-primary mainstream schools for special schools. According to research, academic factors were cited as the main reason for students leaving mainstream education, with the students unable to cope with the workload and the lack of support available to deal with emotional and behavioural problems. We have yet to see the same revolution that is taking place in special needs education at primary level happen at second level to the same extent.

What timeline does the Minister have in place for that report? Does he envisage it will be a report that will address the issue of improving the delivery of special education at second level? There is to be a preliminary report from the chairperson of the review, Eamon Stack, in September but when does the Minister expect the final report and what timeline does he expect following that for any potential change which may emanate from that?

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