John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

Parents and schools have voiced their frustration with the system and, as we must, we are acting to ease their burden. A total of 70 special needs organisers have been recruited nationally and will act as dedicated points of contacts for parents and schools. It is more evidence of the meaningful policy approaches adopted by the Government to meet educational requirements.

While the significant increase in the number of dedicated facilities for children with autism since 1998 is welcome, we can and must do more. The report of the task force on autism, which was published in October 2001, contained over 150 recommendations. As I stated earlier, the Government has prioritised the implementation of core legislative and structural measures, but outstanding issues must continue to be addressed. Given the calls to progress the Middletown centre for autism in County Armagh, its launch earlier this year was very welcome. It is right for the House to support the Government's initiative to progress a North-South centre of excellence to serve the needs of persons with autism in both jurisdictions on the island.

The Progressive Democrats Party does not doubt that significant challenges remain in the area of special needs education and it will act to address them. My party has never shied away from taking and supporting bold steps to meet the toughest tests head on. It is no different in the area of special educational needs. While tonight's motion provides us with time to reflect, we must keep making progress. To this end, I welcome the recent announcement of more targeted support which is to be provided across the education system under the new action plan to tackle educational disadvantage. I welcome the additional annual investment of approximately €40 million and the creation of 300 additional posts across the educational system.

We are dedicated to tackling educational disadvantage. While the progress which has been made should be acknowledged, historic under-provision has left the sector in trouble. We must continue to address people's frustrations and blocks and gaps in services. I intend to play my part to ensure that educational disadvantage remains a priority, in which context I welcome this evening's motion. I have encountered stories like those outlined by Opposition Members and am glad to say that by tackling the issues raised and bringing them to the attention of the Minister's office and the Department as a whole, problems have been resolved. For every story a Member opposite brings forward, I can relate a story of resolution for families.