Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this timely and important motion. I commend Deputy Ó Laoghaire on bringing it forward. I also commend FUSS Ireland on its activism on these issues. As Deputy Ward said, its members were out across the country, including in Dublin, on Saturday. I had an opportunity to meet with Rachel Martin of FUSS Ireland in my constituency on Friday. The activism and energy that are committed by parents of children with disabilities, who have so many caring responsibilities, is to be commended. The name of the organisation, FUSS Ireland, indicates what these parents are fighting for, that is, services and supports for their children. It is shameful that they have to expend such energy to keep fighting for what should be basic and fundamental rights.

There is a failure to plan, prepare and resource services at practically every level. Ministers talk about investment and offer statistics and figures, but the question of unmet need is really where the focus needs to be. In the case of special education, that includes the provision of assessments, therapies, services, school places, including in special schools, special classes and special units at primary and secondary level, and the provision of special needs assistants.

I commend the motion and join others in encouraging the Minister to support it. It is an awful shame that parents have to make such efforts on behalf of their children. There are deep concerns for the coming September and even more concerns for September 2023. There are significant merits in the proposals set out in the motion. They must be acted upon. Provision must be made for the rights, entitlements and basic dignity of these young people.

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