Tom Clonan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the Minister of State has not heard my four-minute contribution until this morning. However, I know that he has heard me. As parents and carers in Ireland we are confronted with a situation where progressing disabilities in the community has failed. I received an on the record statement to that effect from the former CEO of the HSE, Mr. Paul Reid. For children like Harry, this is their only opportunity to blossom, develop and grow. I am asking the Minister of State to please change that one cruel and capricious line, which states that their attendance in these classes is capped at two years. As the Minister of State has highlighted we are talking about €785 per annum, per child, out of a budget of €2 billion. This is, as George Lee used to say, a no brainer. This is an easy win for the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan. Can I please receive a commitment or an answer on that? Would they be prepared to change that arbitrary and cruel provision?