Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

To say I have a point on speech and language therapy is a serious understatement. We have a real and serious crisis as regards young people's needs for speech and language therapy support. That has been identified throughout the State and I urge the Taoiseach to outline what steps he now proposes to take, not those he has already taken, the details of which he trundled out in response to my earlier question. It is very important to recognise that this summer many parents, preparing their children to return to school in September, will face the added burdens of the provision of school uniforms and books, as well as all the other needs that young people have. Is there any plan, for example, for the Government to increase the back to school clothing and footwear allowance? It would be a practical step but on its own is not the panacea for all needs. What measures does the Government propose, as a matter of urgency——

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