Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Before I begin, I extend the Labour Party's deep sadness and shock at the horrific murder of 19 children and two adults yesterday in Uvalde, Texas. It is clear gun violence in the US is out of control, and there is ever-diminishing hope it will lead to much-needed change.

Last week, a family once again had to resort to telling their story to RTÉ to vindicate the constitutional right of their children to an education. When our leader, Deputy Bacik, raised it with the Taoiseach last Wednesday, he apologised to the family. We are glad the Milne family have now been given a commitment of local school places. However, it should never have come to this. For years, the Milne family had to fight for educational access. Ryan and Kyle Milne have lost six years of schooling. Their mother, Gillian, said, "We've basically been punished for having children with special needs. You feel almost to blame. Did we not fight hard enough?" No parent should have to say those words. No parent should have to put themselves in that position of opening up their private lives just to get access to education for their child.

We on the Opposition benches are constantly told that it is not for the want of resources or Government action that there is more than €2 billion in the education budget for complex needs but there are still many outstanding issues that must be addressed. The Minister will issue section 37A notices and open special classes, but we still do not have all the information. Many families throughout the country are still waiting for a place. There is an acute shortage of places everywhere in this country. Only last night, our spokesperson, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, and Councillor John Walsh met with parents to discuss the acute shortage of secondary school places for children with autism in Dublin 15. Last week, the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, was unable to reveal how many children are waiting on a place. We need to know how many are waiting. Schools throughout the country are still waiting on their special needs assistant, SNA, allocation for next year.

These are complex issues that involve huge public investment. Clearly, it is a problem where there is not sufficient planning for special class places. The legislative framework is also clearly out of date. The Government and the Minister have said they are reviewing the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs, EPSEN, Act and the Education Act. In his article yesterday, Fergus Finlay rightly highlighted that for 17 years, key EPSEN provisions have not commenced, including the granting of individual educational plans. A review at this stage will not help parents who are struggling now. It will not address the right of children with additional needs to an education. We know the law must be updated, but that will take time, and that proper planning can address these issues. We know the Department has nearly all the information it needs to determine where places are required.

What I want from the Minister today is clarification. How many children are waiting on a special school place? Will he provide the numbers with a regional breakdown? We are now at the end of the school year. Will he guarantee that every child will be guaranteed a special school place for the next school year? Will the Minister commence the EPSEN Act and fast-track a review?

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