Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have just given, for the first time ever, 11,000 medical cards to children in respect of whom a domiciliary care allowance is paid. It was an issue for years but was unable to be touched. However, it has now been dealt with. The Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, has achieved the highest budget ever for the health service, much of which will be focused on the provision of facilities for children. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Richard Bruton, is employing 2,500 new teachers next year and there will also be a serious capital programme to provide school facilities. I, therefore, reject the Deputy's assertion completely. Resource and special needs teachers have an impact on children's lives. I do not accept from the Deputy that the Government has not focused on children as a priority.

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