Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is interesting that Deputy Bríd Smith referenced issues that she claimed have been ongoing for ten and 12 years. I remind the Deputy that this Government has been in place for six months. Within that six months with regard to the commitment and the determination to progress special education, we have a budget in excess of €2 billion. The largest and most significant budget ever for special education has been provided by this Government. That is a strong statement of intent in terms of the importance that we place on special education. I hope when the Deputy speaks that she is cognisant of that. I also hope she would be cognisant that, even in these current difficult circumstances for everybody, particular consideration is being given to providing educational services for children with additional needs. That again is testament to the determination of the Government to cater for the needs of children with additional needs and all those who fall into the special education sector.

Although this is a debate on special education, Deputy Barry raised specific issues around the leaving certificate. I want to be very clear. Since 27 June, all of my negotiations and engagements have been with the representative bodies, including the student representative body. At every stakeholder engagement that I have had and every conversation about students, I have always and consistently listened and engaged with the president of the students union. I will continue to do that. Tomorrow the students are making a presentation at the advisory committee. The Deputy should be under no illusion. I have worked long years in the education sector, particularly with senior students at leaving certificate level. They are a priority. I value them and I respect them to the extent that I always engage with their representative body.

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