Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

As the Minister of State would expect, I am far from satisfied with what he has said. I appreciate, however, that he is speaking on behalf of the Minister and accept his commitment to bring the issue back to her desk. It is very much the concern and fear of the parents in this case that the child's development and skills have deteriorated as a result of the reduction in services. They fundamentally disagree with the assessment that the child can continue to make progress with a reduced service. I appeal, therefore, to the Minister of State to bring to the Minister's attention their strong concerns, worries and fears. The child's future career prospects, life skills and integration among her friends, colleagues and community will be severely hindered without the restoration of a full special needs service on a daily basis.