Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State always gives me the impression of being somebody who is prepared to roll up her sleeves and get things done. When I hear her talking about things such as a policy shift in the Department of Health, I feel like cheering out loud. However, we have to see that there is actual policy change. The fact that the Minister of State is prepared to speak up about it, say it is necessary and say she will deliver it gives us hope. I very much look forward to seeing the delivery of that policy change on the ground over the next couple of months.

I have a few questions. The Minister of State has answered the question about July provision quite comprehensively. However, representatives of the Irish National Teachers Organisation and the Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland were before the committee last week. One of the questions I put to them was whether the childcare sector could be part of July provision. They said they did not see a problem, but one of the issues we will face there is that I think one has to be registered with the Teaching Council, and that is a miasma at times. That is another place where we need to get rid of some of the barriers. I ask the Minister of State to examine that. With regard to all the changes she has spoken about in respect of July provision, and she spoke about them with enthusiasm, can she tell us if she hopes to see most of those or a substantial percentage of them in place by next year?

Nobody has mentioned the employment strategy for people with disabilities. The rate of employment in Ireland is half the European average. I need not tell the Minister of State how important access to employment is. What actions are being taken to deal with that?

The local question I wish to ask is about the most up-to-date information regarding respite care provision in south Leitrim. I thank her for her intervention, but I need to know what is happening.

If the Minister of State has 20 seconds at the end, will she talk about the cost of disability?