Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Senator Ulick Burke raised this matter on Committee Stage. At that time the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, explained that the new national council for special education will be, in effect, the central body that will ensure the co-ordination of educational services. The Senator was of the view that the body would be distant because it was a national rather than a local body. That was the kernel of the argument put forward by the him on that occasion. However, the intention is that the council will work closely with the schools and health boards to ensure appropriate education provision is made available. The special needs organisers will bring together educational and medical professionals to form part of the assessment and education plan teams. They will be assigned particular schools and areas and will advise and assist schools and parents. Rather than being distant, the council will be closely involved in the education of individual children.

The provision of appropriate education services for children with special educational needs absolutely requires the close co-operation and co-ordination of activities between education and health authorities. Through the linkages provided in the Bill, the current difficulties regarding co-ordination will be resolved. I understand why this is a matter of major concern for Senators Ulick Burke, Ryan, Cox and Fitzgerald who have taken part in this debate.

Senator Ulick Burke spoke about the co-ordination of parties being perhaps the most important part of the delivery of this service. Senator Ryan was concerned that in circumstances where there would be a divided response, that would imply no response at all. Senator Cox spoke about the importance of the council being able to bring these bodies together. Senator Fitzgerald spoke about the terrible lack of structures we have had up until now to deal with the issues of concern in regard to these special children and that the importance of the council in addressing those could not be over-emphasised.

I genuinely believe there is no need for this amendment because the co-ordination of activities among the various agencies will be addressed particularly with regard to the council because the two main agencies under this Bill are the health boards and the council. This section provides for the appointment by the council and health boards of liaison officers to deal specifically with the issue of co-ordination. The Bill, as proposed, will deal with the genuine concerns expressed by the Senators.