Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We will focus on capitation and assess the capitation issue, which is the basic income that goes into schools to manage and maintain them on an ongoing basis. We will continue to invest in teachers across the full spectrum of issues that affect teachers. We will invest in training, particularly around additional special needs. On special education more generally, through the National Council for Special Education, there will be an increased number of SENOs, for example.

There is also a change with a more proactive role for SENOs in respect of engaging with parents of children with additional needs to facilitate and help them to secure places for their children, as opposed to the mother and father having to chase down schools to get a place for their children. It has long been a belief of mine that the council, through its SENOs and so on, has to be more facilitative and proactive in helping parents in that regard. The book scheme has been a game-changer for parents. That money is adequate.

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