Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The 2004 Act provides that children with special educational needs will be educated in an inclusive environment with children who do not have special educational needs. A mother in Wexford has contacted me who had two children in Scoil Mhuire. Her eldest son went through the process when the facilities available were far greater. At the time 57% of children transitioned into mainstream education. Today there is a 0% transition rate and her second child has not had the same opportunity. The Minister can talk about the extra numbers the Government is applying to this, but the truth is that the numbers who need help have increased dramatically and the Government has not kept pace. It is about resources rather than meeting individual needs. Unless the Government changes things, more and more children will fall through the cracks and it will actually cost the State more in the long term. Is there any chance the Government will look at the individual needs of the kids involved and address them accordingly by providing them with a proper chance to transition into mainstream education?

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