Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the Minister of State is here to answer on behalf of the Minister for Education. We are approaching the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. More than 100,000 refugees fleeing that war have come here, 18,000 of whom are students in our schools. Would it not be an appropriate tribute to say that we recognise their pain, that they have left their friends and families behind and that their worry is our worry. We can make life safer and easier. Maybe that would send a message that we value their being here, that we look forward to their being part of Ireland's future and that we will assist their integration by ensuring that all the necessary supports for English as a second language are in place. We could think a bit more about that. The Minister of State might pass that message back.

Another serious issue has arisen in respect of SET hours. Last week, the Department of Education announced significant changes to the allocation of special education supports for schoolchildren. These changes are to include the removal of complex needs as one of the eligibility criteria for special education teachers. This change will impact the most vulnerable children in our communities and schools. Numerous parents of children with autism and Down's syndrome have contacted me. They are already exhausted as a result of the fight to access assessments and supports for their children. They are now being told that their children may be denied special education supports in school. The announced changes that are due in September represent a major step backwards in the context of inclusivity for special needs children in mainstream education. I ask that the Minister immediately reverse that decision and that instead of cutting teachers' hours for special education, she move to improve and increase these supports in schools.

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