James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I, too, commend Deputy Brian Hayes on tabling this motion. Some 350 SNAs have been removed already. There is no independent appeals process and parents cannot seek justice for their children. The cynical former Minister for Education and Science asked Senator Healy Eames in the Seanad whether she really believes that, where a child is developing independence and confidence, he should continue to receive support he does not need, support that could inhibit his further development. No parents believe that outrageous assertion.

The reality of the Government's approach to children is that there is an inability and unwillingness to implement the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act. There are children with disabilities in institutions with no independent inspectorate and they have no protection. As Deputy Ring suggested, it is a case of billions for the bankers and cruel and crass cuts for our children.

Having produced SNAs, having done the good thing and put in place a service that was not available when my children were young, the Government should not cut the service. I have two children with disabilities. Both live independent lives because I could afford the resources to help them do so but the Government is depriving parents and children affected today, and those of the future, of the same opportunity. Not alone is it cruel, unkind, immoral and unethical, it is also penny wise and pound foolish. For many of the children in question, retaining the SNAs could be the difference between an independent life and a life under State care. Not doing so is reprehensible. The Tánaiste, wherever she is, should leave the kids alone and give them back their future.

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