Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

I support Senator O'Meara's arguments on the nurses dispute. It is still time for some form of intervention because if the issue is left to be decided by public perceptions and the media, the HSE will undoubtedly win the war because it has an arsenal of spin at its disposal. We must be careful to ensure that nurses are not caught up in this war and it is important that negotiations continue.

With regard to the canvass trail, I am finding a sophisticated and widely informed electorate which yearns for the creation of a new and inclusive society. This is especially the case among parents of children with special needs. I am glad that Senator O'Toole raised this issue. Parents have brought to my attention conditions such as dyspraxia, dyslexia, autism and physical and sensory disabilities. This new society wants all-inclusive special needs provisions. I will not speak today about what has not been done but we face the challenge of being inclusive and accountable to our electorate. I ask the Leader to keep the issue of special needs on the agenda between now and the dissolution of the House. The HSE just announced 26 positions for speech and language therapists to cater for dyspraxia. That does not go far enough and I would like a debate on it before the end of this session.

The best barometer of inclusiveness is election day. We are experiencing a serious difficulty among the younger generation with regard to inclusiveness. I am glad Senator Norris is not interested in young people because he is not willing to listen to my comments, even though we are respectful of him when he speaks. Young people who attend universities in Northern Ireland are not entitled to a postal vote, regardless of whether they come from Westmeath, Waterford or from Senator Norris's constituency. If we decide to hold the election on a Thursday, we will disenfranchise a large section of our community. These young people will in effect decide the fate of the next Government if they are allowed to vote.