Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

-----and the numbers of people who are now being provided for in mainstream education show that there has been a revolution in the provision of education - and quite rightly so - for those with disabilities and problems. This is not to suggest that every problem has been solved but I do not accept the contention that this Government has not shown a very strong commitment in this area. It has displayed a very strong commitment and one that is far stronger than the commitment shown by any previous Governments, precisely because more resources have been available. The record will show this commitment and it will also show there are ongoing problems of administration which must be dealt with. However, resources are finite and in the areas of health and education and social welfare we have sought to minimise the imposition of hardships but clearly the provision of service levels at existing levels or indeed improving them depends on obtaining certain flexibilities and certain new arrangements in terms of staffing and methods of operating and managing services. This will be a continuing challenge for any Administration for the foreseeable future, given that we will need to get more for less because it is clear there will be fewer resources than was the case in the past.

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