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

I thank the Deputies for raising the issues. The focus today is very domestic, whereas the SDGs have declined globally to a far more significant extent, especially with respect to nutrition. The World Food Programme is extremely alarmed at how, over the past five years, the numbers facing famine have grown exponentially and reversed the progress of the previous decade.

This is a big worry. That said, we need to keep a global focus on the SDGs.

In terms of the transfer of transfer of disability services from the Department of Health to Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, that was a decision the Government took at the beginning of its term. I am concerned at the length of time it is taking. I have told all Ministers that I want that brought to a conclusion as quickly as possible.

The Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, is working away all the time, with the HSE and within her Department, in terms of advancing a range of issues pertaining to disabilities more generally. To be fair, she has secured pretty significant additional resources over two budgets in respect of children with special needs and disabilities. I want to get the issue of the transfer brought to a conclusion. I do not disagree on that. It is something we will pursue.

Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan raised the issue of Scoil Eoin in Innishannon. I will certainly follow that up with the National Council for Special Education in the context of the SENO visiting the school. That is important. There has been a dramatic increase in expenditure and investment in special needs education in the past two years. The increase is quite dramatic when we look at it nationally. We should be in the position to help out in terms of what the issues are in that regard.

Deputy Boyd Barrett again raised the issue of CETA. I do not believe CETA represents a threat to justice or access to justice. As I said to him, all trade agreements have dispute resolution mechanisms.

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