Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I identify with many of the points raised on special educational needs. There are some areas which could be enhanced. I have heard the Minister many times indicating her commitment on the issue, and she has supplied resources to deal with the problem.

I wonder is there a lack of co-ordination between the education stakeholders. I will give a small example of how the City of Dublin VEC works with regard to psychological assessment. It has a huge cohort of children through the city, ranging in age from 11 years onwards, and it has a model which works beautifully in terms of psychological assessment and dealing with remedial, dyslexia and other areas which must be dealt with through the psychological service. If that body can get it right it is possible to do so elsewhere.

Is it a lack of co-ordination between the various stakeholders? Is there a lack of co-operation between the HSE and the Department of Education and Science in how it implements its programme? I would welcome clarification from the Minister on this issue, as the argument has been raised time and again that the programmes are not being implemented on the ground.