David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It might be an adaptation as simple as installing a shower rather than a bath. If it is classed as priority 2 or 3, though, it will never be done. Even applications classed as priority 1 do not get done and must wait on lists. The money is not there. People blame local authorities, but the latter depend on grants from central government. This issue needs to be examined.

An increasing number of children are in mainstream schools, but if there are inadequate numbers of resource teachers and special needs assistants, SNAs, this stops being a policy that is beneficial to all. Early intervention is important. I mentioned a facility on Lady Lane in Waterford city called the Sacred Heart Centre. It provides fantastic supports to people with a range of complex needs from mild to severe physical and intellectual disabilities. I visited it a number of weeks ago. It was uplifting to see the children receive the support that they required, but the building was in a poor state. The centre does not have the necessary equipment. It is a joint venture between the Department of Education and Skills and the HSE. Although the staff provide a great service, a state-of-the-art, LauraLynn-type facility is required in Waterford to give these children the supports that they need.

I acknowledge the work that the Minister of State has done, but more needs to be done. Ahead of the next election, I hope that all parties can commit to doing more to support children and adults with disabilities of whatever description. We should not use this issue as a political football. Surely, we should all be united on it. That more money needs to be given to these services is one of the few areas on which we can all agree, as these people need it.