Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

There are thousands of children for whom funding for special educational needs is required. Over the years many backbenchers, Ministers of State and some Ministers in the area of education and in other areas have been crying out for the required funding. As Senators McCarthy and O'Toole said, the Minister for Finance has held the reins tightly, as is his prerogative. The best legislation in the world will not meet the needs of these children unless the resources are provided to provide the necessary educational services.