Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

The signs have remained in these areas despite the issue being brought to the attention of local authorities. I criticise the stupidity and folly of this. We understand the necessity for the penalty points system but there must also be a sense of tolerance and fair play. This is what the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors was seeking.

I raised the issue of the weighted type of assistance that has been introduced for special needs on a recent Adjournment at the Cathaoirleach's courtesy, which began as a serious matter and will become even more so. Whether a report is from speech and language therapists or occupational psychologists, if it mentions the words "mild mental handicap", the people involved will be automatically categorised as ineligible for special one-to-one tuition. Dyslexics who previously received two and a half hours every week spread over five days will no longer be entitled to this and will be placed in a group environment.

The Minister for Education and Science stated she was carrying out further research on the issue. As a result, what will be implemented at local level from September 2005 onwards is in accordance with the directing guidelines. As soon as the Minister finished her research there was a positive statement on the matter. We have all encountered frustrated parents. There is much talk about special needs and now is our opportunity to put it into positive practice. The changes that have taken place will have negative consequences for the education system and will lead to problems in the future.