Mary Moran (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I commend the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly, BIPA, on the facilities and organisation during the conference over the past two days. As stated last night, it is unusual to have a silver and gold anniversaries at one time but this was the 50th plenary session of the BIPA and the 25th anniversary of BIPA. We had an excellent opportunity to discuss pertinent issues, including smuggling. It was particularly relevant to those of us who live in the Border area. I commend the report, which included reference to the excellent co-operation between Louth County Council and Newry and Mourne District Council in trying their best and making every effort working together to stop the illegal smuggling of diesel and cigarettes in the area. I welcome the recommendation of a task force, with facilities North and South to work closely together to eradicate the stain on our economy in the area.

I refer to the recent issue of special needs education and, specifically, the allocation for children with a mild learning disability. The situation must be clarified for parents and families of children in need of support and the children heading to school in September. I am disappointed the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, recommendations will not be implemented in September, as was hoped as I know from speaking with representatives of Down Syndrome Ireland.It would have provided a baseline level of resources for schools countrywide. I understand the Minister, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, was guided by the advice of the working group of the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, in making the decision to retain the current model. However, Members must establish what precisely is causing the delay in the introduction of the recommendations as they were published two years ago in May 2013.