Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Today is the eighth World Down Syndrome day. We should send a message to the parents and families of people with Down's syndrome thanking them for the support they have given them over the past 20 years. Services have developed to support those who have Down's syndrome. We should also thank those with Down's syndrome for the joy they bring to their families, which they have done for many years. There has been progress in recognising that they have a very valuable contribution to make to our society.

I support Senator Michael D'Arcy's call for a debate on Guthrie cards. I am meeting some of the medical people again today in respect of this matter. Time is running out. The deadline is 31 March. Senators should encourage as many people as possible to apply for the retention of their own Guthrie cards because that is the only way to stop their destruction. I have spoken to the Leader on this matter. I join my colleague's call for a debate and encourage the Minister to meet the people who have expertise in this area, such as Professor John Crowe and members of the Royal College of Physicians, who were not consulted in this matter or the decision.