Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

A whole range of changes have been made in that area. I would rather address what Deputy Stanton had to say, because he has some knowledge in the area, with respect.

The answer to the question regarding the non-implementation of primary legislation is that the implementation is resource-led. It is about providing in the first instance for those in the younger age group through the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, with the prospect of raising the age to 16 over a period. Whether the person with responsibility for this is me or the Deputy's leader or anyone else, the same material facts apply. There is no point in suggesting to the public that this can be resolved overnight. It will not be. Instead of focusing on that aspect, let us concentrate on how, in the context of the requirement for more cost-effective services, we can protect the front line based on a good level of service.

There are 25,000 people receiving good disability services in this country. Issues have arisen with some service providers, as mentioned by Deputies in the House this morning. It is not correct to suggest that all services are at risk. A small number of places - 130, as I understand it-----

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