Peter Roche (Galway East, Fine Gael)

It is generous of the Minister of State and his officials to give their time to come in in the late evening, at suppertime, to field some of the questions we have. I also thank him for the engagement he has had with me on my niece's little one. My niece works in my office and has a little ten-year-old Down's syndrome girl. I have that experience of understanding Olivia's everyday challenge in trying to access better services and supports. She has worked with me since last November. I sometimes ask myself about someone would not have the wherewithal, capacity or know-how to reach out to the likes of me, who can in turn reach out to the Minister of State. As two previous speakers have referenced, there is that perception out there that, somehow or other, Down's syndrome is not as big a priority as other complex issues. I am heartened by the response given to a previous speaker about that very question and concern they had about children with Down's syndrome.

It is very much in the Department's focus and on its radar, which is welcome. The Minister of State also stated it is up to ourselves to tell the good story of what is happening and what we can do as Oireachtas Members with regard to highlighting where there are improvements and opportunities.

I have two questions for the Minister of State. First, can he commit to putting in place a transparent communication system in order that parents of children with additional needs are informed at regular intervals of the status of their school placement application rather than being left in limbo until it is too late? Second, can he guarantee - maybe "guarantee" is a big word - the NCSE will proactively identify and engage with families like Olivia's before a crisis arises, especially in cases where a child is already in receipt of supports? Every child, from the moment they have a diagnosis of Down's syndrome, is on a database. One would think that database would follow the child or, in this case, the pupil. As I said, I could focus on other things but the Downs syndrome element is something I believe needs to be engaged with more.

I thank the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy McEntee, who have a really good grasp of their roles. The Minister of State's statement was peppered with lots of good news, which is welcome. Obviously, the numbers he mentioned in his responses are ever-increasing. It is about responding to where the demand is and I do not envy the Minister of State that task. Is the Down's syndrome element managed as efficiently as every other sector?