Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join the Chairman in welcoming our guests, Professor Buckley from the University of Portsmouth, Ms Patricia Griffin from Down Syndrome Ireland and Ms Gina Grant from Donegal Down Syndrome. I will be brief because I know there are many members present who wish to contribute.

Will Professor Buckley indicate how supports are provided for children in the United Kingdom and internationally? I accept that there is a significant issue in this country as a result of the fact that Down's syndrome is not on the low incidence list. As a result, teachers and schools must make do as best they can by using the small number of hours allocated in order to try to support pupils with Down's syndrome in mainstream classes. The hours allocated are extremely inadequate. Professor Buckley may be aware that a review is being carried out of how special needs supports are allocated and provided in Ireland. There is no doubt that schools are under pressure and we are all concerned about the number of hours allocated. Will Professor Buckley elaborate further on how supports, etc., are allocated internationally? Will she outline her thoughts on how this is done in Ireland and indicate the direction she believes we should take?