Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

That provision for children with special educational needs should be informed by best international practice is now included in the Long Title of the Bill as a result of amendment No. 1, as Deputy Enright has indicated. It was part of the amendment put forward by Deputy O'Sullivan. The entirety of the Bill is to be informed by best international practice. The council will also have a role, obviously, in conducting research and advising the Minister in any matter affecting the education of children with special needs. Obviously, that will exert a strong influence on Government policy as will best international practice. However, in the final analysis, it is the responsibility of the Minister and the Government of the day to set policy as regards education, as with many other matters. To permit guidelines to be drawn up in the absence of policy would be an abdication of Government's role and I do not believe that would be either healthy or acceptable.

I have another strong reservation about putting it into this section of the Bill, or any particular. I could foresee a wonderful three-month argument in the High Court at some stage where various experts would argue over what precisely constituted international best practice. I would prefer to spend the money in providing facilities for the children rather than the lawyers in the High Court.

Question, "That the words proposed to be deleted stand", put and declared carried."

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