Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to speak on this important motion this evening. It is appalling to note that at the end of March, 3,568 children were awaiting a first assessment of needs nationwide and more than 850 children with special educational needs were receiving home tuition while awaiting school placement. This is shocking. I know the Minister of State is not the Minister for Health. As is usual now, like when the Minister of State addressed Topical Issue matters, the Government is running scared and will not answer questions. It is a shocking disgrace that it cannot look after the most vulnerable children and those with special needs. I salute the SNAs and the work they try to do, as well as the schools for the way they try to cater for, accept and look after children. The Government's record is abysmal. It is one of absurd failure and neglect. It passes legislation here calling for equality for this and equality for that. Where is the equality for these people, who are mistreated, neglected and abandoned to the point that their parents have to scrounge, beg and implore to get their children assessed? They have to put the money together themselves to get a private assessment. It is appalling.

Members of the Government should hang their heads in shame. This is nothing short of a national disgrace in a first-world country. The Government should get out of office as soon as possible and let people take over who have an interest in and the ability to do something for children with special needs.

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