Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Dublin 12 and AsIAm groups. As was set out in the opening statement the Minister, Deputy McHugh, provided, the Minister has already met with AsIAm and is very confident that some of the recommendations in its report will make a significant difference in children's lives. I will read back the last paragraph of the statement I was given:

Responsibility for ensuring all children have access to a suitable education is a shared responsibility. The Minister, Deputy McHugh, is confident that through the work of the NCSE and the co-operation of schools [and principals and teachers] we can address the current difficulties.

As a public representative and Minister of State, I believe that no child should be left without access to education no matter what disabilities he or she may have. I will continue to support efforts to deal with the difficulties I see in my role as a local Deputy such as the problems parents face in getting access to special classes in schools for their children. I will raise the issues the Senator has raised with the Minister when I meet him during the next week. I thank the Senator again.