Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is an ongoing debate about mild learning disability. However, many families with children with Down's syndrome are in that category. They feel they are being penalised because some of these children are very good academically and are moving on. We can move them up to another level. The Minister will have seen the results in the case of families who put in the extra resources themselves and got their children up to junior certificate and leaving certificate level. Some are doing courses at third level, including a group of them in Trinity College, with which the parents are delighted. That is what educational inclusion is all about.

We need to get the maximum educational value for these students to enable them to develop to their maximum potential. That is all I am seeking. It is as simple as that.

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