Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

On Private Members' business only two weeks ago in this House we debated a Government motion congratulating itself on all it achieved in the area of education over the past two or three years. At the same time, the Minister for Education and Science must have been aware that she and her Department were in the process of dismissing 70 special needs teachers. A partially completed report clearly indicates the need for 175 additional special needs teachers, as well as the need to further increase that figure.

We now witness the dismissal of experienced and dedicated people who have offered their services for the past few years. How can any Government claim to be serious about its commitment to special needs education when it sanctions these dismissals? I support those Senators who have asked the Minister for Education and Science to come to this House and clearly indicate her intention to reverse this decision and retain these special needs teachers as staff of the Department of Education and Science so they can benefit children in need of their services.