Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

The Department of Education and Skills cannot compel an agency of another Department to do certain things, which was expressed in the original legislation. In effect, that turned out to be not practicable on the ground. That is why the cross-sectoral team, which is an ad hoc body working between the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Health, is trying to address both the educational needs and the health needs of young people with learning difficulties. The Bill being proposed is trying to align the legislation with what is happening on the ground.

See this speech in context