The programme for Government speaks about improving the provision of school resources for children with special needs. Yesterday the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, published documentation on resource teaching, learning supports and special needs assistants. Shockingly, there is no longer an appeals process available to parents who are dissatisfied with the number of resources hours and learning supports being provided for their child. The appeals process that was in place has now been abolished, which is an extremely retrograde step. Many people were worried about the NCSE's new model for allocation but were listening to the strong arguments being put forward by it. Many people are shocked that parents no longer have a right to appeal a resource allocation provided, in this case, by the teachers.

I call Deputy Michael Moynihan on the same matter.

This decision is horrendous. I compliment Deputy Thomas Byrne for highlighting it. Allocations had been made to schools and, right up until last Wednesday or Thursday, the Department of Education and Skills was advising parents to wait until the mechanism for the appeals process was in place before lodging an appeal. Those parents were waiting because they were assured that a process would be put in place this week. It now transpires that the Department is putting no such mechanism in place. Surely to God it is the case that these children need the best supports possible. The Taoiseach should examine this matter urgently because, as my colleague stated, it is a disgrace.

I am surprised to hear this. A great deal of work has been done in respect of special needs, both in terms of the provision of facilities and the extent of public moneys available, which is at more than €1.6 billion. I will have the matter in respect of the appeals mechanism raised directly with the Minister for Education and Skills. I am sure he will be interested it.