Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise with the Minister a number of issues concerning children with special needs. I have been contacted by very frustrated and upset parents of children with special needs in my constituency, Laois–Offaly. There is currently no dedicated special educational needs organiser. We always had a number of special educational needs organisers in Laois-Offaly. To the best of my knowledge, there were at least two, because I contacted them over the years. It is shameful that this Government talks about supporting children with special needs. It is able to talk the talk but unfortunately cannot walk the walk. I am asking the Government to take urgent action to ensure that Laois–Offaly has a dedicated special educational needs organiser in place to assist families and schools that are trying to make sure children with special educational needs are provided for. What is happening is shameful. Also, we need special needs assistants. There is a crisis associated with their provision. I ask for this to be looked at. Children with special educational needs are being failed in Laois–Offaly and it is now time for urgent action.

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