Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed. There are two children in the one class, one of whom is on the autism spectrum. Certainly if the Down's syndrome child had any variation of autism he would be entitled to the July provision. I would like the Minister of State to relay to the Minister, Deputy Bruton, and the Department the fact that it does not add up. They bring a teacher in to work with one child who could have worked with the two children. It is not going to cost extra money. The teacher had to come in to work with one child anyhow. While I understand they are working on it, it is most disappointing to find that Down's syndrome is not going to be considered for the moment because a Down's syndrome child is no different from any other child.