Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his full response. I am sure the apology will be very much welcomed by those who have been so badly failed. The Taoiseach speaks of an absence of proactivity and the need for stronger legislation. Yet clearly, there is a responsibility on the Government to take those proactive steps and to deliver the amendments to legislation that are needed. This is not just about the provision of special schools. It is also about providing adequate supports for children in mainstream schools.

The issue of SNA allocation in particular has been difficult and problematic for many schools. My colleague, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, raised this issue with the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, last Thursday. He was seeking clarity on when the allocation of special needs assistants will be made. Just as with the section 37A notices, it is simply not good enough for schools, and especially for parents and children, to have to wait until the eleventh hour to hear whether an SNA allocation has been made or if a section 37A notice has been issued. There is a lack of forward planning and a lack of availability, particularly for secondary school places. We are seeing a pinch there for so many parents and children.

The absence of proactivity is the responsibility of the Government. I agree the Taoiseach that there has been an absence of proactivity, but we need to see proactivity from the Government on this, in the interests of children.

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