Mark Dearey (Green Party)

My question focused on section 7 of the 1998 Act to which the Minister of State's response did not refer. Consequently, I consider that my question remains outstanding although a number of issues were touched upon by the Minister of State, for which I thank him. I recognise that the Government has provided for an expansion in special education support needs. A particular emphasis has been laid on this issue by the Green Party throughout our term in government in tandem with our Government partners and this is to be applauded, if I may so do. However, I do not believe the question has been taken full on as it was intended.

My key point is that Down's syndrome is a baseline condition, as is autism. Children with autism are not asked to cross such hurdles for access to specialised education in educational organisations that are tailored to deliver it, although children with Down's syndrome are asked to do so. There is a lack of equal treatment between the two baseline conditions. It is critical that the State recognises this is a condition that will not change. To refer to children with mild Down's syndrome as also having mild general learning disability is very wide of the mark because such children have specialist needs. I believe parents desire that their children be educated within an integrated national or secondary school system, which would be fantastic. This response fails to recognise the nature of the disability and its impact on learning for the child with Down's syndrome. I find the phrase "mild general learning disability" to be disrespectful, almost offensive, in terms of the real effect of Down's syndrome on a young person's ability to learn. I am not sure how to do this but I would like to ask the Minister about this again.