Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I sincerely thank the Minister of State, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, for taking this matter as I know a change had to be made that was nobody's fault. These things happen. I appreciate his coming to listen to my comments and hope he can provide a positive reply.

As the Minister of State knows, the July provision scheme provides funding for an extended school year that is not available to the vast majority of children with Down's syndrome, leaving them at a major educational disadvantage. A recent High Court settlement involved children with various educational and social needs. They will now receive additional schooling under the July provision scheme. In the light of this recent ruling, I ask the Government to consider extending the July provision scheme to all children with Down's syndrome.

The scheme allows an extra month of tuition during July for children with a specific diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder or a severe or profound general learning disability. The scheme is very beneficial as it ensures children do not regress over the long summer holidays. I have been contacted by numerous parents associated with the Roscommon branch of Down Syndrome Ireland who believe the exclusion of their children from the July provision scheme is an injustice and a disgrace. How can the education system and the Government leave children with Down's syndrome behind, as that is what is happening? They are being denied the right to learn at their own pace. In the light of the recent High Court ruling, it is imperative that the scheme be extended to all children with Down's syndrome.

On a separate matter and wider note, parents of children with Down's syndrome in County Roscommon have also told me about the great difficulties they have in accessing occupational therapists, speech therapists and physiotherapists in the county. Many parents of children with Down's syndrome must finance the cost of these services because of the serious lack of services provided by the HSE. They are placed under serious financial pressure as a result. Even where services are provided by the HSE, visits by therapists can be infrequent, piecemeal and insufficient to meet the needs of children. I am informed by some therapists that too many children are assigned to them and that, as a result, they cannot provide a more regular service. More therapists in these areas are required as therapists expect parents and teachers to carry out programmes. I am sure the Minister of State is well aware of this issue. A change must be made.

I hope the Minister of State recognises the message that we should rectify the July provision scheme and will bring it to the Government. We can give the children a decent chance in life.

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