I wish to raise with the Minister a number of issues concerning children with special needs. I have been contacted by very frustrated and upset parents of children with special needs in my constituency, Laois–Offaly. There is currently no dedicated special educational needs organiser. We always had a number of special educational needs organisers in Laois-Offaly. To the best of my knowledge, there were at least two, because I contacted them over the years. It is shameful that this Government talks about supporting children with special needs. It is able to talk the talk but unfortunately cannot walk the walk. I am asking the Government to take urgent action to ensure that Laois–Offaly has a dedicated special educational needs organiser in place to assist families and schools that are trying to make sure children with special educational needs are provided for. What is happening is shameful. Also, we need special needs assistants. There is a crisis associated with their provision. I ask for this to be looked at. Children with special educational needs are being failed in Laois–Offaly and it is now time for urgent action.

I absolutely agree. I lauded some aspects of the system earlier but there is an issue, as I had started to say, particularly regarding the connection between the health and education systems. The special educational needs organisers and National Council for Special Education have a particular role in this regard. The Deputy is right that the role of the special educational needs organiser is critical. I did not realise there is none in Offaly, as she stated.

Or Laois

Or Portlaoise. I will contact the relevant Minister to see if something can be done about that.