Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

While her eldest kid attended the school, 18 children had 18 special needs assistants, SNAs, and 57% of those children transitioned into mainstream schooling. In recent years, the 18 was cut to eight. Now, none is transitioning to mainstream schooling. This is not rocket science. I am not saying that there is an endless supply of money, but surely we have an obligation to give a greater priority to those who most need it. This State support makes a difference to kids' lives. An investment by the State prevents people from falling behind, but the woman's youngest son will never progress to mainstream schooling. What a difference between his situation and her eldest son's. It is time that cannot be bought back. The early years are a formative period, even more so for children with autism. We must address this issue more positively.

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