Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I also raised this point on Second Stage. In making an assessment of a child which will form the basis of an education plan, we must bear in mind that a person aged 18 years may have a mental and reading age of six years. I am concerned there will be no continuity. Will a child who reaches 18 years of age in the middle of an educational programme be unable to continue the programme after the end of the school year? In other words, will the programme stop when the child turns 18 years? Will the Minister of State guarantee that the forthcoming disability Bill will provide for continuity to ensure that a child is able to complete any programme devised for him or her beyond the age of 18 years? Will he assure me that parents will be made aware that continuity is guaranteed irrespective of the location to which the child is transferred?

I do not mind if the plan does not involve education provided the needs of the child will continue to be met after the age of 18 years. If the Minister assured the House that the forthcoming disability Bill would provide for this continuity, I would have no difficulty with the legislation. I am concerned that a child's education plan would be discontinued in the June following his or her 18th birthday, thus forcing the parents to start all over again with a new assessment and different expertise, and to place their child in a different programme. Will the Minister of State comment on this point?