It is something that I have raised with the Minister. Roisin and Peggy from Down Syndrome Galway had a fantastic meeting with the Minister. I wish to reiterate the issue that exists in that circular regarding the special speech and language disorder classes and having accessibility for everyone to them. I will use my two minutes - not that the Minister is not aware - as a reminder of how important the role of education, and particularly the role that special education, plays. I know the work the Minister and the Minister of State put in and how hard they are working to see every child in this country have an opportunity. We had the Department of Education and Youth before the Public Accounts Committee last week. We were asking the officials about why almost an extra €500 million would be spent trying to ensure that we meet the need that exists. I encourage the Department to spend as much money as possible in this domain. As a country, we are not going to regret spending this money. This is something for our children and future. It is something that I will fully support so long as I am a Deputy. There are three key priorities and focuses going forward for special education. The first is a guarantee of a school place for every child in the right school place and right setting that is fitting for the child. The second is a fast track for special classes. I compliment the Ministers. There are over 400 special classes set to open this year across the country. That is welcome. As the Ministers, all Deputies and I know, we need more. The third is to speed up the rate of which assessments take place so that supports can be unlocked and identified for those who need them. If we have not identified the need and not identified what is needed for people there, how can we ensure that they get the support they need?

Sentiment score: 0.36