Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail)
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I will be brief because much of what I wanted to say has been covered in Councillor Bailey's response. I thank her for providing a perspective from three different generations and three different aspects of disability. I completely agree with her in supporting people with transport needs in travelling to important medical and health appointments. It is an area for which we have to look at putting services in place. I also agree with the intervention, as outlined by Dr. Rath, in the area of reasonable accommodation. I recall being quite shocked when Brian Crowley, a member of my political party, was appointed to the Seanad. He was the first person elected with a disability and ramps had to be put into the Seanad Chamber. Seán Connick, also from my party, was elected in Wexford. We have not had anybody with a physical disability, apart from Senator Conway, elected since. It is wrong and we need to address this.

I was concerned by what Councillor Bailey said in terms of the assessment of need, about which I will make two points. I know the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, put a major effort and significant resources into what, at the time, was considered as a postcode lottery in terms of getting assessment of need. In the past 12 months, that has come down by 92%, which, in my opinion, was a big move. However, Councillor Bailey has said that this is not making a difference on the ground in terms of interventions for the children. My second point is on the reduced timetables that Councillor Bailey spoke about. Senator Ruane and I did a lot of work on this in the education committee and made strong recommendations on it. Last week, the Minister for Education brought out strong recommendations that will be in place from January of next year. These include monitoring, which Councillor Bailey mentioned earlier. We found it was important to note that there was no record or monitoring of reduced timetables particularly impacting children with special needs and children from Traveller backgrounds. In addition, a requirement should be put in place whereby Tusla should be involved and have to be notified if, in the most extreme of situations, reduced timetables are introduced, and parental consent. I believe those recommendations were strong and took on board the recommendations of the all-party education committee. Does Councillor Bailey think that will make a difference to it?