Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State and thank him for coming to the House to discuss this important issue. Approximately 7,000 children in Ireland have Down's syndrome. Having spoken to the family members of many children with Down's syndrome, I know those children are the life and soul of their families. They are very sociable. They certainly keep the members of their families on their toes. They are the root and the centre of their families.

Many people with Down's syndrome are born with learning disabilities. They learn much more from life experience. I would like to point out that the life expectancy of people with Down's syndrome is getting longer. This means they need lifelong learning and lifelong provision. Children with Down's syndrome do not qualify for the July provision that is available in many schools. I know a family that received a letter of refusal even though an autistic child in the same class had received approval for inclusion in the programme. The teacher who was brought in to deal with one child could have dealt with two children.

The practical things that are taught during July provision can involve taking children to the shop and giving them money. They have to purchase something and bring back the change. They are taught how to use footpaths and the green man at traffic lights. Such practical things make the life of the child more independent.

The family in the case I have mentioned was very disappointed to find that the child did not qualify for July provision. At the end of the day, he is a child like everybody else in the class. He is in mainstream school. It is most commendable that he is getting on very well in school. It is disappointing that this decision has been made. I would like to hear the Minister of State's response to what I have said.