Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Hopefully, pharmacists will also be involved as we move more into critical mass vaccination. I take the Deputy's point. The HPV vaccination is extremely important and Laura Brennan's legacy must be honoured in that respect. I take that point.

Deputy Boyd Barrett raised the issue of pathways for those studying for a PhD in psychology. I am certainly of the view that we must do everything we possibly can to facilitate better progression through postgraduate education, particularly for people from disadvantaged financial or income backgrounds.

Regarding Deputy Murphy's question, I have been very clear on the Beacon Hospital issue. It was absolutely wrong but it is not for me to determine. I do not set myself up as judge, jury and executioner, and I never have, for example, in terms of criminality in that regard, as the Deputy has asserted. He raised that issue. No one should get any special treatment with regard to any transgression such as this.

We have provided resources to the HSE to ensure the resumption of SouthDoc in Blackpool and Listowel and also for new schools in Cork. I am fully in agreement that we need to provide additional places. I have been in touch with the Minister for Education, the Department and agencies and schools locally to make sure there is a sufficiency of provision for children with special needs in the Cork region, of which there is a dearth at the moment. We need to change the system somewhat as too many schools or agencies seem to have the power within themselves to say "No".

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