Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the announcement yesterday by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, of the provision of 2.5 hours per week for up to 1,000 children who suffer from Down's syndrome. This issue has been going on for many years. I protested with the families of children with Down's syndrome outside this building last summer. I am pleased that the Minister has recognised the situation and provided the necessary hours to help alleviate the difficulties.

Everyone acknowledges that it is not the complete package but it will help to alleviate the issues. It has been broadly welcomed by Down Syndrome Ireland. I also welcome the Tánaiste's announcement that the Cabinet yesterday approved a settlement for the Waterford Crystal workers who have struggled for eight years to get payment for the pension scheme that went into thin air when the company closed down. The average payment per worker will be a lump sum of €40,000 plus a pension per annum. It is important that the settlement has included the spouses of many of the workers who have died since the company closed eight years ago. After a long and protracted campaign, in which I participated on behalf of the people in my town of Carrick-on-Suir and the surrounding areas of Rathgormack, Tullahought and places like that, the people who worked in Waterford Crystal for many years have at last got a settlement.

I am heartened by comments made by the Minister, Deputy Howlin, a number of weeks ago regarding town councils. He said that the decision which accounted for a significant decrease in the number of councillors is one of the biggest regrets of the coalition's term of office.