Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

In respect of the first matter, given that the Taoiseach has indicated that the Government has not yet made a decision, does he believe that within what presumably is a period of weeks that remains, there is a sufficient timeframe to accommodate the publication of the referendum Bill, the presumable appointment of a referendum commission and all the other elements, including the finance, to underpin a referendum campaign? Is this feasible or doable within the time that remains?

On the second matter regarding children in need of special needs assistance, particular cases have been brought to my attention in which the individual child is regarded as being, in the phrase used by the special educational needs organiser, SENO, involved, of the highest priority. However, there is not at present within the gift of the SENO the opportunity to appoint a special needs assistant as the aforementioned child undoubtedly requires. The situation is highly serious and I again use the opportunity, in the limited time that is open to me, to ask the Taoiseach to revisit this particular area because children will lose the chance to avail of essential supports in preparing for their current and future education prospects.

Finally, what of the section in the programme for Government entitled, Protecting the Family Home? I note that repossession orders have increased from 109 in 2007 to 311 in 2010.

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