Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

Most people fully appreciate the increased funding for special needs from the Department of Education and Science in the past couple of years, even if much of it is the result of high profile court cases to establish the rights of children with special needs. It has become clear, however, that while investment at primary level has been increased dramatically, that pattern does not continue at second level, posing serious problems at this level for school management, staff and parents.

I ask the Leader to request the Minister to continue primary level expenditure at second level. The Department of Education and Science has also withdrawn the home support grant for children with autism who are at school. These are two important issues for parents and those dealing with the students. While we recognise everything that has been provided by way of resources at primary level, it must be continued at second and third levels.