Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I second the motion proposed by Senator Frances Fitzgerald. I find myself in an unusual position because the amendment from the Government more clearly illustrates the scale of the problem we are facing than the original motion tabled by my party. If one examines the range of measures and statements contained in the amendment, they demonstrate a level of disconnection from the reality of what is happening on the ground that is worrying.

Senator Corrigan has made some superb interventions on these issues in the past and did so again this morning in the House. She made an excellent point regarding the fact that the HSE has continued to fail to ring-fence expenditure and funding for pupils and people with special needs but the Government's amendment would have us believe this is not happening at all. The amendment would have us believe that the needs of the most vulnerable young people in our society are being met by this Government and that the funding is in place for that. However, anybody who has dealt with constituents with such problems or with the experts that are providing care in this area will know that the Government's amendment does not recognise the reality of what is happening in communities and families who are under enormous stress and are vulnerable when dealing with the Government in their efforts to provide care for their children with special needs.

I cannot think of any greater abdication of responsibility on the part of the Government than for families to be forced to go to the highest court in the land to secure their constitutional right to school their children.