Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 10:

In page 8, subsection (9)(a), line 31, to delete "child," and substitute "child are involved in the preparation of the plan in a spirit of partnership and".

The purpose of this amendment is to change the role of parents from being that of persons who are simply consulted to persons centrally involved in the preparation of a plan in a spirit of partnership. As currently worded, the section requires that parents are simply consulted.

Amendment No. 27 has a similar wording and is similarly aimed to involve parents in a spirit of partnership with the special needs organiser in drawing up a plan. I would like to hear the Minister of State's comments on the amendments.