Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I have outlined the considerable progress which has taken place in a very short period of time. I referred to the number of people working in the area, the guidelines, the cross-sectoral group, the appeals board, the standards for assessment and the investment of €900 million. This is what is happening every day. The remaining sections of the Act will be implemented within the five-year timeframe, as outlined in the legislation and this will be done with the full co-operation of and consultation with the people who must implement it on the ground. They are the people who are in the schools every day and it is happening as we speak. I will not tolerate anybody casting scorn on what is being done for young people with special needs, considering the commitment that exists.

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