Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I also wish to raise with the Minister the issue of special needs. Raising a child with special needs is challenging and rewarding. It is demanding, yet fulfilling. For parents, it becomes a labour of love in almost every sense. They want what is best for their son or daughter. They want their child to have the best possible start in life.

They plan for the years ahead when their child may no longer have their care and support. They aim to set the best foundation to support their child throughout his or her life.

I attended an action for autism rally in Tipperary earlier this month. This event was organised by two mothers who have reached the limit of their endurance. They and most of those who joined them have battled for years for services for children. Seeing parents of children with special needs marching through the streets to fight for their children's needs is heartbreaking. They have come to believe, with good reason, that seeking what their children urgently need through the established channels is a fruitless exercise. Today I received a letter signed by all of the teachers in Scoil Chormaic in Cashel. It sets out a catalogue of neglect. The school community there is suffering because of a lack of resources and services. For as long as most Members in this House can remember, there have been calls to regulate, reform and resource all areas of the special needs sector. There have been some improvements, which are acknowledged and appreciated, but the reality is that they merely touch the edges of an issue that is impacting the most vulnerable members of our society.

The demands of parents for their special children are no more than any child in the country deserves. They are pleading for timely assessments for their children. This is the first hurdle on their journey for their child and is what will guide future decisions but the reality is that this is the hardest hurdle to cross. The most recent figures available show that there are almost 7,000 children across the country waiting for such assessments. The outcome is crucial as it will establish if they need disability, health or educational support and will determine the road ahead. While they wait to be called for these assessments, the lives of the family and, most especially, the child are left in limbo.

Their next hurdle is finding a suitable place in the education system and proper SNA support. This can be soul-destroying for parents who face many closed doors before they, hopefully, find one that will open to them. All the while, the lives of these children are on hold. It is a sad reflection on the Government and all of us here, as Members of this House, that as a country and as human beings we are continuing to let these children and their families down. This is both a legacy and current issue that should unite this Dáil in meaningful action. The Minister referred to the Taoiseach taking initiatives. Could she please update the House on the progress that has been made on those initiatives and when we can expect to see results?

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