Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I second the motion.

I welcome the Minister. She has taken to this portfolio with ease because of her extensive experience in the field and it is important that we should acknowledge that. While the motion concentrates on special needs, it is important to reflect on how important the education sector has been to the Government. The Government has recognised funds must be put in place to ensure education is given the resources it needs so that young people can develop and learn at a consistently high level. For example, in 1997 when Fine Gael and Labour were in power, education funding was €2.9 billion. That has increased dramatically to approximately €7 billion this year.