Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I would like to know the Government's plans to ensure there is an appropriate class place for all kids, particularly those with additional needs. We have seen the issues that occur every year. It has already been stated that the issue of assessment of need has been brought up again by Cara Darmody. We know there is a big fear that legislative changes would take away the right people have with regard to delivery of the assessment of need within six months. Many parents have contacted me in the past while about the issue with school places and what school their children can go to. They have no surety because they have not been able to get an assessment of need. We have the issue of those with mild learning disabilities who fall between stools. There is no space for them. Certain schools will say their complex needs are too complex or not sufficiently complex to fall into this bracket. That is an issue we need to deal with. I bring up the issue of Tallanstown National School, where we had an assessment with regard to class places. There were 281 children in September. There are now 284, but it has resulted in a kid who has Down's syndrome possibly ending up in class of 36. It is a specific issue that needs to be looked at.

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