Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I listened to the Minister of State and wish him and the Minister well in their jobs. The Minister of State mentioned the parents in the Gallery. I am conscious that there are people here from Tallaght and the Dublin South-West constituency. Others are probably watching from home. I am conscious that there would have been many more parents here but for the fact that they cannot get out because of the lack of childcare facilities or someone to look after their children with special needs.

The area I represent has seen tremendous growth in the past 20 years but many of the services, especially in disability and special education for young people, have not kept up. It has gone very slowly and has not kept up. I know that from talking to families. Vulnerable children and their parents are being left behind.

There was mention earlier of a school in our constituency that does life-changing work for children with complex needs but the accommodation is not fit for purpose. It is not fit for the 21st century. I was deeply disturbed when I went there and saw the conditions that teachers are working in and children are experiencing. There were challenges all over the place. The Minister is aware of the situation and correspondence has being going back and forth with the school. Major works are required in every area. A consultant's report is required and I was told the cost could be up to €2,000. Perhaps that is something the Minister could consider. We are aware of the summer works programme and all the other things, but a lot of work is required. That issue needs to be considered for schools. Most schools do not have that money. I visited a school where the toilets were not wide enough. Some of the children are very big. That is not just an issue in the school in question. I have also seen it in other schools. Children soil themselves and there is nowhere to wash them. There are basic things that we need to do. Families are struggling.

I welcome the fact that the Minister said she will work with us and we will work with her.

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