Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that information and background. With that in mind, I hope the Minister of State will be able to help me help Alex. She has outlined all the Department is doing with the redesign, but Alex does not have time for that redesign to go through its process and then deliver for Alex. I do not want to see Alex spend one more day in this kind of situation. It is quite dangerous in respect of her eating situation and what has been put in place. The parents and Siobhán have done more than they can possibly do. They have gone above and beyond to ensure Alex is comfortable, but they really need the support of the Department. I appreciate there are processes, reviews and everything else and that they can take time, but Alex needs support now and I really hope an intervention can be put in place.

I read that the Minister of State's Department is receding the optional protocol of the UNCRPD. The Minister of State might provide clarification around that because my understanding is that could mean it would be ratified within 30 days. The Minister of State might come back to me on that. Article 24 of the UNCRPD places obligations on the Irish Government to ensure people with disabilities are not excluded from education on the basis of disability and can access education on an equal basis, as the Minister of State has alluded to. We need flexibility now on the lower age limit to ensure children with disabilities and additional needs are supported to the fullest, making Article 24 a reality. As far as I can see, we have a ludicrous criterion, especially in this case with Alex. It needs to be amended with the utmost urgency, and if that is possible, the Minister of State might be able to come back to me with a response. I believe a visit from the Minister would do justice to what Alex is experiencing daily.

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