Cuts to special needs resources deplorable

As a primary school teacher and a parent, I deplore the latest cynical move by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) which has "paused" any resource hours being allocated to any child with special needs.

Resulting from their latest circular, no new child presenting with special needs will be granted resource hours, but must be included in mainstream classes.

The DES has two huge questions to answer, in accounting for this action. How are they cherishing and supporting the child with special needs, by reducing/removing their support system? And how are they cherishing the children without special needs, who will have drastically reduced access to teacher time?

Maire Lineen
Dunboyne, Co Meath

Source: Letters Page, Irish Times, 1st April 2011