Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her questions. We get a lot of questions about Down's syndrome. We have met a number of families and organisations regarding Down's syndrome over the past five months. There is a fear that Down's syndrome is being forgotten about; I assure the Deputy that is not the case. There has been a huge increase in ASD and autism diagnosis, not just in Ireland but right across the western world. The figures have been quite extraordinary. Ireland is probably still at the lower end in comparison with other countries. We are grappling with trying to ensure there are spaces. I will give a commitment that we will work with Down Syndrome Ireland and with any organisation. I recently went to the horticultural centre for adults with Down's syndrome in Kildare, which makes a huge contribution.

We are trying to be as inclusive as possible. We need to ensure we have available places and accommodations for people with Down's syndrome, including children with Down's syndrome, in their own communities. That is inclusivity at its best. I give a commitment that we will work on that to ensure they are not left behind in the great debate on special education.