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

I thank the Minister of State. Like many TDs, he will be aware of this situation from his own constituency. I welcome the fact that discussions are taking place and that further meetings will take place next week. My only regret is that we are entering into discussions again. The National Council for Special Education, NCSE, is clearly saying we need to do something for those children with Down's syndrome. All of us acknowledge and recognise that parents are under enormous stress. If the July provision applied to children with Down's syndrome it would be a huge benefit. It is very important that the educational needs of these children are met during the summer. They are special cases. They need that help. We have to look after people like these children, and their parents, and give them every possible chance.

While I welcome what the Minister of State has said, and I know he has knowledge of this issue from his constituency, I do not want discussions to go on and on without any changes taking place. Last week's High Court decision regarding two children with Down's syndrome did not give them full access to the system, and I accept what the Minister of State has said, but it certainly has changed the goalposts. All of us must recognise now that we must act in response to that High Court judgment because it means there is dissatisfaction, as far as the court is concerned, in the way those children are being discriminated against. I will not labour the point. The Minister of State knows where I am coming from. He has an understanding of the situation. I am sure all Deputies have such cases in their constituencies. I hope we can move matters on and get a better system in place as quickly as possible.

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