Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach. I also thank Deputies McGrath and Healy-Rae for their kind words, and Independents across Ireland South who helped me in the recent election campaign.

In the limited time available to me, I will very much focus on this motion, which is very important. I find the Government's rationale around GDP and the proportion of GDP spending to be somewhat unconvincing in that the use of GNI* as a measure of the Irish economy is contentious in many respects. For example, the Government has to pay towards the EU budget or various measures that are measured in accordance with GDP. It is GDP that is used. The idea that because our corporation tax levels are somewhat bloated, or may appear bloated to the European Union, we should therefore use GNI* is not an excuse not to use those taxes. Even if these are windfall taxes that there is a question mark over in the long term, we could use those taxes now to benefit children now because those children are our future. It is incredibly short-sighted for the Government to state it will only spend in accordance with GNI* percentages, and not use this bonanza we have with corporation taxes by putting it into something like education, which is a long-term benefit to the State. The reason income from our corporation taxes is so high is companies are here. The reason they came here, even before our corporation tax rate was set as it is, is that we have a highly educated young workforce. If that is to continue, we need to invest in that.

I will draw the attention of the House to a couple of matters. Some 98% of all children with special educational needs are in mainstream provision. That is excellent, but we need to invest in that to maintain it. If we do not continue to invest, we will not be in that situation. When I was in primary school, for example, children with special needs were not able to avail of mainstream education and were not in our schools. It is a requirement of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities that people are entitled, under Article 24, to an inclusive education. Of course, we have not opted into that so the failings cannot be challenged.

The funding model that removes the criteria of complex needs is particularly important. This was removed from assessments. It means that many SEN mainstream pupils will not be recognised as needing supports until at least second class, by which time they will have been four years in the primary education system and will have already incurred a considerable disadvantage. The motion calls on the Government to address that.

I am interested in what will happen. I have seen numerous motions being accepted by the Government, including some of mine, that nothing happens as a result of. Does this Dáil exert any control over the Government? That is a fundamental question.

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