David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Every single study shows that Down's syndrome children thrive in mainstream schools. We all accept that is really good for them. However, Down's syndrome children who have a mild disability have no access to the extra hours. That is regrettable, particularly because it is a change that came about in 2005. Before that, their disabilities were included as low-incidence disabilities. They are low-incidence disabilities because they occur in 0.2% of the population. Low-incidence disabilities are defined as those that occur in fewer than 1% of the population. Clearly, they qualify.

With regard to the psychological assessment that has been spoken about, it takes place in March of the year in which the child begins in the school. It is carried out by a psychologist in an institution such as Enable Ireland. The child's IQ is assessed. Many Down's syndrome children have an IQ of 50 to 69. This is classified as a mild learning disability. I return to my point that the very assessment that shows there is positive capacity to learn is used against the children. Prior to 2005, this was not the case. All pupils within an assessed syndrome were entitled to resource hours. Up to 2005, Down's syndrome fell within the category of an assessed syndrome. Will the Minister state in his reply whether it is possible to determine why the change was made? Was it made on purely economic grounds? I am afraid this may be the case.

The value of resource hours is very significant. When one receives resource hours, one receives one-to-one engagement with the teacher. The pupil is normally taken to a special room where he or she will have the entire attention of the teacher. This is very important. The resource hours, the one-to-one contact and special resources are very important.

The people who have lobbied me are very strong in their call to the Minister, whom I am very glad is present because it is very important to have present a senior Cabinet Minister with direct responsibility. I appreciate the fact that the Minister is present and I know Senator Mullen does also. The parents directly involved in this matter are asking for an end to what they regard as discriminatory treatment of their children. They want the current circular, circular 02/05, to which I referred, to include Down's syndrome as a low-incidence disability, as it used to be classified. It is just a question of returning to circumstances that were favourable to the affected children. The lobbyists are calling on the Minister to recognise Down's syndrome in its entirety and in its own right. They say the children cannot and must not be categorised as having mild or moderate learning disabilities as this does not reflect all aspects of Down's syndrome.

In light of this discussion, which has not been fractious or disagreeable in any way, could the Minister address this matter very clearly and practically? I am very impressed by the various people who have spoken about their experience. Colleagues of mine have spoken about their direct experience of children with special needs. They, perhaps, have a greater understanding than I could possibly have. This has been a very useful debate. I hope that the vulnerable children will not be penalised simply because they have higher intelligence than others. They should be encouraged. Everything should be done to allow them to become useful, happy, fulfilled and creative citizens.