Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Taoiseach for his response. On the figures I gave, they are the up to date Health Service Executive figures and they came from the Minister for Health and Children.

Many parents have asked me if the Government is taking the issue seriously. For example, many parents were in the audience of "The Frontline" programme on RTE 1 last night yet not one senior Minister or Minister of State could be found to appear and put the Government's position on the table. Many of those parents were offended by that and many people throughout the estate were upset about it. Will the Taoiseach take this issue very seriously?

On other issues, particularly related to education, is the Taoiseach aware that one class of 28 six year old boys, with two children with special needs and others with severe behavioural problems, has had its SNA hours reduced to three days per week from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.? In addition, one of those children is incontinent and at times has to wait until another SNA can come to provide support from another part of the school. Where does that leave the dignity and the long-term health implications of the child, with the child being forced to wait for these services? Also, is the Taoiseach aware that an ABA school in Donaghmede on the north side of Dublin will close in July due to lack of Government funding?

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