Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I recognise that the supply of money is not unlimited. The Minister of State has indicated that the level of funding has been maintained but the survey published by the joint managerial body, JMB, contains shocking figures. The JMB reported that the 15% cut in supports for pupils with special educational needs since 2010 is affecting the quality of education for children. Parents with whom I have spoken expressed fears about the circular. They are concerned about the prospect that SNA allocations will be considered only after schools have implemented disciplinary proceedings because most of the children concerned do not have sufficient understanding of the rules. When children present with challenging behaviour, it is usually due to one of two reasons; either they cannot communicate their needs or they are overly stimulated and are unable to cope with their environments due to sensory processing disabilities. To implement disciplinary action on a child with a disability or autism is, therefore, effectively punishing him or her for having a disability. The funds may have been maintained but the increase in numbers means more children are not being cared for adequately and are not being granted their constitutional right to an education.

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