Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that No. 12 be taken before No. 1. I also wish to speak on a number of issues.

This morning on my way here, I spoke to a young man, James Cawley, who has worked in the disability sector for a long number of years. He is very well known to all of us in my area who are activists and fighting for supports. There is no full-time occupational therapist in Longford at present and nor has there been for a significant number of years. The roles have been covered on a part-time and temporary basis for many years. When we get an occupational therapist, he or she is gone within six months. I do not understand why the position is not being advertised as a full-time position, which we have, say, for people over 65 years and those within the children's disability network teams, CDNTs, where we have also have difficulties. It would be an awful lot easier to recruit an occupational therapist if the position was full-time. I ask that this matter is highlighted with the Minister of State with responsibility for disabilities.

I want to raise an issue concerning bus escorts around the country. It has been brought to my attention that in recent years, the rate of pay for bus escorts has not increased, particularly for bus escorts who accompany young children who have disabilities. We struggle to get people to be bus escorts. They are not paid throughout the summer months or holiday months. The rate of pay has not been increased in a long number of years despite the fact that the minimum wage has been increased on a regular basis, and particularly in the past three to four years.However, a number are struggling and find themselves in a position whereby they are not able to continue for financial reasons. I ask that the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, look at this issue. I know there was a discussion on school secretaries in recent times, and I welcome the changes made because we are struggling to get people into those roles. I am of the view that this matter could be looked at in the same light in the context of providing an increase. In order to get children to school, especially those with special needs, we need to have people who can escort them and look after any needs they might have along the way.