Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Having addressed the issue of health, I would like to address another aspect of the programme for Government. In the programme, the Government promises to make sure that all children will be given an opportunity to enjoy childhood and to develop to their full potential. How can the Taoiseach reconcile that commitment with the cuts that have been imposed by his Government? In this context, it is worth mentioning the terrible report on the abuse of children by religious orders in residential institutions over many decades, which was published by Mr. Justice Ryan last week. How can the Taoiseach reconcile the recent actions of his Government, such as the cut in funding to the all-Ireland centre of excellence for autism in Middletown, with the commitments outlined in the 2007 programme for Government?

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