Woman's Hour

The Irish novelist Edna O'Brien has died aged 93. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins said she was "one of the outstanding writers of modern times". She is perhaps best known for her portrayal of women's lives against repressive expectations in Irish society. Her first novel, The Country Girls, was published in 1960 and became part of a trilogy that was banned in Ireland for their references to sexual expression and social issues. Nuala McGovern speaks to Irish novelist Eimear McBride, who knew Edna.Parents, children and politicians all agree that the SEND education system for children with special educational needs and disabilities is 'broken'. How can it be fixed? The Local Government Association and the County Councils Network have published a 'landmark' report which warns that the current system is failing children and too adversarial. Reporter Carolyn Atkinson investigates. The Government accepts educational outcomes are 'flatlining', as parents and local authorities are pitted against each other.