Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)

I agree with the points made by Senator Burke. This was discussed on Second Stage. It is vitally important that the whole weight of the services being provided by the State move into action as soon as a child is diagnosed with a special need. Disabilities legislation is the most appropriate place to provide for this type of support and counselling. I hope the input of the Departments of Education and Science, Health and Children and Justice, Equality and Law Reform will ensure the disability Bill includes a strong section making provision for a journey path to be drawn up immediately a learning difficulty is identified, whether at birth or aged two, three or four years. This must make clear which State services will be required in education and health, for example, speech and occupational therapy. The challenge is to provide children with the necessary resources and services from birth onwards.

The Bill is not the appropriate framework for making such provision because it relates solely to children in education. While I cannot support the amendment, the views articulated by Senator Ulick Burke are valid and need to be taken on board in the wider context of disability and I look forward to them being addressed in the disability Bill.