Why must families in the State fight for everything? Why can children with additional needs and special needs not get what they need? Why can they not get what they are entitled to? They are children of this State. This is a fundamental human right - a right to education, a right to healthcare, and a right to be treated with respect and dignity. I have been coming in here for the last six years, listening to the Government telling me what it is doing. Why was this plan that it announced today not announced six, nine or 12 months ago? I have listened to plan after plan here. There is a child outside the door, Cara Darmody. That is what she is - a 15-year-old child, shaming this Government into doing something for children with additional needs and special needs. A child is standing up to the Government because the Government will not listen to the Opposition, will not listen to parents and will not listen to children who badly need an assessment of need. It is one single girl, standing outside the door, and we can see the shame that she brings on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. I am so proud of her. I am so proud of her family. She is taking this on for so many other people. I have been outside that door with parents who are looking for special school places, school transport for their children or special needs assistants for their children in school. Why must everything be a fight? Why can the Government not show respect? In Cork, 8% - less than one in ten - got their assessment within the time. There are now 1,500 children over the limit between Cork and Kerry. Six months is the legal requirement and the statutory obligation. The Government is breaking that because 27 months is the average time. This is a scandal. Enough is enough. These children must be protected and must be looked after.

Sentiment score: 0.07