Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I am sorry disorder followed my indication that people who spoke earlier had the opportunity to ask questions of the Minister when he was here yesterday. He spent half an hour responding to the issues raised yesterday evening. In the context of the announcements with regard to special education, to which the Minister alluded yesterday, will the Leader ensure we are enabled to discuss the role of the National Council for Special Education?

In my area, we have had an in-depth look at the supports that exist for special education, as most of our special needs assistants were removed by a particular special education needs organiser. Many of those supports have now been returned. Some classes needed to have six special needs children to entitle them to special class status, but many only had three or four. I ask that the National Council for Special Education be proactive in this area. It should examine schools or clusters of schools to see what is going on nationally and provide support. In my view the council should be the guardian angel of special needs children.

Much of this debate was rehearsed yesterday, especially with regard to the fact there is a containment exercise in some respects. There should instead be forward planning of the goals we want to attain for our special educational needs children. I know the Minister has committed extra money to this area. He announced last night that he has provided 50 extra psychologists. There would be value in having a debate on special education, because I know the Minister will ensure no child is left without adequate supports, even in the context of today's announcements.