Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the comments of the Minister of State, particularly in respect of the report being published by the end of the year, which will be most welcome. I note that the former Minister, Deputy McHugh, stated that each child should be educated with his or her mainstream peers wherever feasible. That is very much reflected in what the NCSE has stated in its progress report. The former Minister also stated that the decision on whether to move towards greater inclusion of all students in mainstream schools requires very careful consideration and that it is a long-term vision that will happen gradually and by emphasising the needs of children with the most complex needs at the heart of it. As a former educator, I know it can be seen at ground level that there is undoubtedly a shift towards greater inclusivity in all schools, which is most welcome. That is the model shift that is occurring but, obviously, it brings its own challenges and issues. There will be issues in respect of the anxiety of parents, students and educators. Fundamental to any shift or change in light of the report will be supplementing schools with the appropriate resources and investment. That will be a prerequisite.

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