Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I also endorse the call for an ongoing discussion on the economy, especially on financial services regulation as raised by many Members. For one, I know very little about the regulator's role, the work he does and what will be the new regulatory role. The public wants to feel comfortable that the new regulations will be transparent. Many want to understand the role and function which up to now they did not know existed. It is important this is coupled with a debate on the economy.

I would like if the Minister for Education and Science came back to the House to debate once again the cutbacks in special needs education. At no time in the previous debate did he say that any child would be deprived of special needs education. That is well documented. While I agree the media may be doing a good job, in this instance I hope they will be balanced in giving the other side of the debate. Every school's management is aware that no child will be deprived. Many case studies have shown that if it is necessary to give special needs education to a particular child in a school because the class might be discontinued, that child will not be deprived.