Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his response. I am surprised by his commentary that there are no plans for emergency legislation. This highlights the fact the members of the Government are not speaking to each other. The Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, is on the record as saying she has spoken to the Attorney General in the context of emergency legislation. We need emergency legislation. The Tánaiste is absolutely right that his words and statistics are cold comfort and no comfort to any family. Today there are 106 children who do not know whether they will have a school place in September. Aaron's mother nailed it on the head. Even if they get a place children with autism must go through a transitionary programme. It is crucial that the children know the surroundings and has familiarity with the school they will enter. Sometimes they need to meet the teachers beforehand. This year again we have a failure to plan. How many years will we have to listen to Ministers accept the State is involved in discrimination against children with special needs? How many years will we have to hear Ministers and Tánaistí stand up to say it is wrong and they are hoping to get it right? This has been going on for years. We on this side of the House are willing to assist the Government to bring forward emergency legislation. The Ombudsman's report makes it very clear that section 37A is not fit for purpose. The process is too long. Let us bring forward the powers necessary to make sure every child has a school place in September.

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