Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the five contributors. We are all concerned about July provision. This is where we are coming from regarding the Department's appearance. The son of a friend of mine has Down's syndrome. He is an intelligent child with an awful lot to contribute but his parents find it frustrating that he does not quality for July provision yet a child down with road with autism does. While my question is principally for the Department, could all the witnesses outline alternatives they would come up with? Why do children's with Down's syndrome not qualify for July provision? It is so important because they have so much to learn from it. Many skills are taught during those couple of weeks. Children with Down's syndrome can find summer very long whereas if they are coming to training courses such as baking, they are learning a skill. They enjoy learning life skills during that period. Mr. Kelly referred to alternative proposals. What are they?