Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for appearing before the House to discuss this important issue. As she will be aware, I am involved in a special school, which she has visited with me in the past. In April, I held an online meeting on this area and I thank her for contribution and commitment to the area of special needs. A number of issues were raised that evening and she subsequently resolved them, and I thank her publicly for that because it shows her commitment and dedication to the area.

Behind every child there is a family, and the Minister of State takes these issues seriously. Some schools may not be as forthcoming in offering places to children with special needs and it is sad that section 37A has to exist, whereby the Minister of State has the right to direct schools in that regard. It is a reality, however, and I can certainly understand why the section is provided for. So many people are dependent on the provision. I previously dealt with a case in Limerick where a student had been refused a place in two schools and their parents then had to bring them to another school more than one hour away. That was not recognised by the NCSE, however, because there were two schools within an hour's drive of the student's home, even though there was not a vacancy in either of them. Perhaps the Minister of State would examine that, although it might since have been resolved, given it happened quite a while ago. The family had to drive to Charleville rather than have the child attend either of the two local schools, given there was no vacancy.

There are so many sensitive issues in the context of special needs but we have come a long way in regard to what the Minister of State and the Department have been delivering, not least when compared with a few years ago. It is wonderful that there is now greater inclusivity of children who require that additional support. I pay tribute to SNAs and the various support staff who are in place because the work they do daily with the children is to be commended. They almost become part of the family because the children often have a special attachment to them.

I compliment the Minister of State and thank her for her work to date. I look forward to supporting the Bill.