Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)

I wish him well for the future.

We must examine issues throughout the country, in particular those that arise frequently. The question of special needs is important. When legislation was introduced in the House, the only missing element related to the rights of people with special needs. Sure enough, it turned out to be an important element. It is regrettable that the rights to which they were entitled were seriously qualified by the availability of resources. Many of the people we as public representatives encountered ten or 20 years ago have grown old. Their greatest fear is the future facing themselves and their siblings. It is a difficult future. They campaigned to achieve even the basic entitlements and it was a long and difficult struggle. It is regrettable that special needs children have to go without. They are being put back into mainstream education and they will lose out substantially and their future lives will be restricted as a result.

There are many other issues I would like to have seen addressed. I greatly appreciate the Acting Chairman's flexibility with regard to time. We must accept there are so many fine people in the public service and in the Civil Service who are never recognised for their true worth and the work they do for the community and for the services provided by Departments. Their positive response on all occasions to our representations has been wonderful. I pay tribute to them all.

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