Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Following on from the previous speaker, no doubt everybody would accept there is a blurring of lines between the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Skills, even in terms of making the representations. I would agree with the previous speaker that something should be done about that.

The great shame is that between 2004 and 2011 we had a fantastic opportunity to commence all the sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, but it was not done. There is considerable talk at the moment about renegotiation of public services. Would the Minister give consideration to the more achievable elements in that Act which may not cost as much as other sections might but which would have a major impact in the classroom for children with an intellectual disability or physical special needs and for their parents and teachers? In the absence of resources we may not again get an opportunity to put these issues on the table for negotiation with the unions. If this was considered in discussions on a successor to the Croke Park agreement, it would do a great service to the people.

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