Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Massive population expansion has resulted in increased need for the creation of new schools and school places, special needs places in particular, and greater accessibility to them. In the budget, the Government made provision for additional special needs teachers and special needs assistants. This is very welcome. However, there are serious problems relating to early intervention. Normally, one or two people come to my constituency office daily about this. The situation has become very serious. Any time we contact the Department we are told there is no place available. Where can someone with a child with special needs who cannot find a school go? Every child has a fundamental right to an education. People are really down in the dumps. They do not know where to go for help. Even TDs do not get any help when we contact the Department. What can we do to help these people? They are not one-off cases. People are coming in to me constantly.

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