Special educational needs update
Senator Fitzpatrick welcomed renewed commitments to special educational needs and SNAs, and asked that the Minister of State for disability come to the House with an update.
I welcome the announcement of the most recent communications regarding the commitment for special educational needs and the commitment to our special needs assistants. They provide an invaluable service in our schools. They enable young people to access education and they assist teachers, parents and the whole community. They are truly invaluable. It would be really helpful if, at some point in the near future, we could invite the Minister of State with responsibility for disability into the House and have an update on the Government's commitment to special educational needs.
I too offer my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of the former Senator Mary White. Mary White was a formidable woman, a huge personality, a mother, an entrepreneur, a businesswoman and a dedicated public servant. She served in this House with distinction. We were very proud that Mary White was a representative of our party. I was always struck by her interest in other people, particularly other women, and in helping everyone to raise their game. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.