Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

-----but what we are disputing is the impact this is having. The statistics emanating from the 400 reviews initiated last year are stark. They are the reason we, members of the Minister's party and Government backbenchers are receiving representations throughout the country. They know too well the effect that this review and the impersonal nature of the review process that is in place is having on these families who have children with special needs and especially on those who have autistic children. I do not say that lightly. As I said before the Minister re-entered the Chamber, that is as a result of the statistics that emanate from those reviews. Fianna Fáil will support this motion and stand beside the most vulnerable members of this society.

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