Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I understand the concerns raised by Senators Ulick Burke and Cox in this highly sensitive area. The Bill gives parents a central role in the education of their children. One of the reasons it has gained support across the board is that it allows parents to request that an assessment be carried out, be involved in and form part of the educational plan team, seek the advice and guidance of the special education council and appeal decisions affecting their child's education to an independent body. The parents are, therefore, central to the process of providing for the specific educational needs of their special child.

The Comhairle (Amendment) Bill will provide for the introduction of advocacy services for children and adults. I do not propose to introduce such a provision in this legislation as it would create an unhelpful overlap and possible inconsistencies between the two Bills. As Senator Cox stated, it may be possible to consider the matter in the context of other legislation under preparation.