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

There will have to be forward planning and that will be made clear to the agencies and the Department. There will have to be proper preparation in the coming years, looking at the demographics and the need and making sure there is a much more seamless system for parents and children with additional needs. That is the bottom line as far as I am concerned. Every child is entitled to an education. No school can be saying, "No". There must be far more proactivity out there as well. The NCSE is conscious of this and I have made it clear. I will be convening ongoing meetings with the relevant Ministers and agencies to ensure we address the increased demographic issues that arise with our increasing population. The census is very clear. There has been quite a significant change between the past two censuses in respect of those indicating disability within the general population, but particularly children with additional needs. I am not satisfied with the way things are now. I will be very open with the Deputy in that regard. This is a key priority for us. It is fundamental to me and to the House as well.

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