A MOTION calling for the suspension of the integration of children with special needs until the proper resources are made available was described as "very offensive and a disgrace" during yesterday's, INTO congress.
Mr Finian McGrath, Dublin City North, said the blame should be laid before the Department of Education, not on the children and their parents.
Ms Sheila Nunan of the executive said the motion was regressive, anti child and anti integration. Industrial action was necessary to secure the necessary resources.
It was unfair to proceed with integration without adequate services, argued Ms Mary Cunningham, Galway. "We are not against integration per se," said Ms Nora O'Callaghan, Cork City South, "but the way the Department is allowing it to happen without adequate support services is a downright disgrace."
Congress voted against the suspension of integration but supported a call for the weighting of pupils with special needs in mainstream schools, in line with similar weighting in special schools.
In addition, the use of untrained personnel as substitute teachers was "an insult to our professional integrity".