Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I hope that is actually taken to a conclusion in the shortest possible time, so that this unit can actually open. Deputy Brian Hayes proposed a motion on autism on behalf of Fine Gael last week. It was voted on by the House. It received the support of all Opposition Deputies and a number of Fianna Fáil Deputies. Unfortunately, the latter group did not have the courage to vote against the Government on the motion, about which they felt strongly. One Fianna Fáil Deputy has become a reluctant heroine as a result. People do not seem to want to recognise the reality.

I could introduce the Minister, Deputy Hanafin, to a parent who has spent €250,000 on replacing the furniture in her house. The woman in question faces difficulties and challenges in respect of her child. The Minister said yesterday that the education of each child is important. That is true and I agree. However, one cannot require parents to send their children to schools which do not have the facilities to deal with them and the specialist educationalists to give them the education to which they are properly entitled. It is as if the Minister is saying "let them go to school, let them have an education — that is going to be good enough for them". It is not good enough for them.

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