Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

I am pleased the Minister is coming before the House for this debate on education for persons with special educational needs because everyone here is aware of the importance of applied behaviour analysis, ABA, in the education of children with autism. Government representatives have appeared in local media outlets throughout the country claiming to fully support parents and I want to see that support in this House this morning. I want the Minister to pay attention to this issue because we will put a motion before this House seeking the aforementioned support for parents.

I am concerned by a number of issues relating to education in this country. The Minister for Education and Science said in the Dáil chamber yesterday that there will be large cutbacks in devolved grants and in summer work schemes. We must have another debate with the Minister to discuss the significant cutbacks that are occurring at the Department of Education and Science and find out whether they are due to reduced funding.

The report of Dr. Jim Port, published yesterday, indicates that the decision to upgrade Waterford Institute of Technology, WIT, to university status is an entirely political one. I request that the Leader of the House ask the Minister to make a quick decision on this matter to allow us discover what is going on.

Last week I asked that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, be brought before this House to discuss the special areas of conservation he intends to introduce under a European directive. I feel it is urgent that he discuss this matter with us to ensure the social and economic needs of areas throughout the country are not superseded by the requirement to fulfil a European directive.