Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The announcement by the Minister for Education and Skills of extra resources for children with so-called mild Down's syndrome is very welcome, as others have said. There are many situations where children have disabilities that call on our special care and attention. It is fair to say that children with Down's syndrome in particular have a very special place in the hearts of Irish people and this country given the great memories we have of the Special Olympics. In respect of the ongoing debate about the needs of children with disabilities, people in Ireland want this country to set a standard in the resources it provides. Like others, I note that what has been offered is also mild in that it is just 2.5 hours of resource teaching per week per child. The chief executive of Down Syndrome Ireland, Pat Clarke, said that regardless of the level of severity of Down's syndrome, what is needed is between five and eight resource hours. I hope that this does not act as a delaying tactic in respect of the introduction of a new teaching resource model. There is concern as people know about the need for a medical diagnosis before resources can be allocated. I hope this bit of good news does not delay the greater amount of good news that is needed in terms of the provision made not just for children with Down's syndrome but others.

I note the announcement this morning from the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, BAI, that its new guidelines on the coverage of the forthcoming referenda are in force as of today. Along with a number of colleagues from the Houses of the Oireachtas, I attended a very good briefing by the authority this morning. It is clear that it is very intent on encouraging the broadcast media to ensure a fair playing field in the forthcoming referenda debates. Much more credit is due to the former MEP, Patricia McKenna, and Anthony Coughlan for bringing their court cases which more than anything else have brought a measure of respect for balance into the way the media deal with referenda and elections. From my engagement with the BAI this morning and in respect of broadcasters who up to now have been involved in some very soft-focus presentations of lifestyle issues in a way that really is intended to generate public sympathy for one side of the argument, it is not clear whether the BAI has the teeth to deal with that kind of subtle bias that continues to be a part of our media's coverage of various social issues.It is incumbent on all of us in the Oireachtas to ensure that the debate will be fair. We must call out anyone in the media, particularly tax-funded broadcasters, who in any way abuse their position so as to advance one side or the other in the forthcoming referendum. It is really important that issues are not pushed down people's throats. It is really important that every voter is equally respected and that people are well served by their broadcast and print media in reaching an informed decision. We must have a debate in which all sides of the argument are properly ventilated and there is equal respect for all views. Plus, there must be no subtle or unsubtle pushing of agendas by journalists.