Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. On the allocation of resource hours, many children with Down's syndrome, because they do not fall into a particular category, are not receiving the hours that would assist them in making greater achievements at primary school level.

I have a number of questions for the Minister. Does the Minister accept that all children with Down's syndrome and other disabilities have a right to an adequate resource allocation? Is he aware that within the primary teaching system there are 121,353 pupils in classes of more than 30 pupils, within which are a number of children with Down's syndrome and other disabilities who are being impacted by this issue?

On access to services, a lack of educational psychologists to carry out psychological assessments is causing a huge problem for many families, with many being forced into the charity sector to have them done. Will the Minister agree that this is unacceptable and that in a modern democratic inclusive republic all people should be treated fairly?

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