Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

There is widespread confusion and fear among the many parents throughout the country who have autistic children as to what their fate might be if they criticise the Government or any other agency regarding the lack of facilities for families in great need. This has arisen following the order last week to commit the four children of a Meath family into care. It was high-handed of the Health Service Executive in this case to commit these children to respite care and overlook the fact that both parents had given up their jobs and deprived themselves of earnings in order to provide for their children where the agencies failed to support them. It is extremely important, and I support what Senator Norris said, that the Minister for Health and Children or the Minister for Education and Science immediately intervene to resolve this situation and allay the continuing and growing fear among many parents throughout the country that their children will be taken into care.