Seanad debates
Thursday, 1 July 2004
Order of Business.
10:30 am
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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The Order of Business is No. 1, a motion concerning research matters referred to the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, which has completed its discussions, to be taken without debate; No. 2, Water Services Bill 2003 — Report and Final Stages, to be taken on the conclusion of the Order of Business until 1.30 p.m., No. 4, National Monuments (Amendment) Bill 2004 — Second Stage, to be taken at 2 p.m. and to conclude at 4.30 p.m., with contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 15 minutes and those of other Senators not to exceed ten minutes and the Minister will be called upon to reply no later than five minutes before the conclusion of Second Stage; and No. 5, Commissions of Investigation Bill 2003 — Second Stage, to be taken at 4.30 p.m. and to conclude no later than 6.30 p.m., with contributions of spokespersons not to exceed 12 minutes, and those of other Senators not to exceed eight minutes and the Minister to be called upon to reply no later than five minutes before the conclusion of Second Stage. There will be a sos from 1.30 p.m. until 2 p.m.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Will the Leader provide time next week for a debate on the proposed EU constitution? Now that the various leaders in Europe have agreed the constitution, it will have to be formally ratified in each of the member states. The Taoiseach stated yesterday in the Dáil that it could be up to two years before a referendum on the issue is held. This House should at least debate the implications of the constitution. There is a responsibility on pro-European parties in both Houses to come together in some kind of alliance in respect of the upcoming campaign. There are many neo-nationalist and EU-sceptic forces in this country — people who want to take us out of the European Union. We must plan and work at a campaign over the next year or so. The Nice debacle occurred because pro-European parties did not put a sufficiently strong case to the people. We got a wake-up call at the time. When the referendum is announced, there will be a responsibility and onus on us all to work hard for a "Yes" vote. I ask the Leader to provide time next week for a debate on the matter.
This morning we heard from the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, who in an arrogant and dismissive way appeared to put to one side the comments of higher civil servants. Will the Leader agree that the best way to proceed on decentralisation is for an Oireachtas committee to go through the concerns of senior and other civil servants on the issue? The last time the finance committee attempted to do so, the big Government whip was taken out, people were told they could not do their job and the whole issue was put to one side. It is now the responsibility of a committee of the House to work through the genuine concerns of civil servants. We are not talking just about people's livelihoods, but their homes, children, family and roots in the community which will now be upended as a result of the arrogant and dismissive comments of the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, and others. There needs to be a wake-up call on the issue and an Oireachtas committee should be established to work with civil servants and the Government to bring about a proper form of decentralisation.
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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We raised the issue of decentralisation in this House yesterday with the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon. The House will be pleased to hear that his position changed somewhat on "Morning Ireland" this morning when he explained why we were outvoted in the finance committee when we sought to have a debate on decentralisation, which was warmly supported by the Fianna Fáil chair of the committee. Suddenly the whip came from on high when a Deputy from one of the Government parties was afraid the number of Bus Éireann employees was lower than the number of people who would be transferred to the middle of his constituency in Mitchelstown. He was afraid that Senator Bradford and others might embarrass him with the figures so a debate on the issue prior to the election was refused. I understand they are now prepared to have a debate. It would be helpful to have an open debate on the issue in order to stop the Government messing up another good idea. Decentralisation is a good idea, so we should not mess up the implementation process.
Two weeks ago, I raised the issue of the report of the Mahon tribunal which outlined clear means to reduce to a couple of years the potential 15 years of hearings and to dispose of the matter. This could be done by giving the tribunals the authority to decide whether to pursue publicly and openly examinations of certain aspects required under the terms of reference. They need to be able to decide it is not worth wasting time going down a particular track and to move on to the serious issue. This is an example of where politicians could do something the general public would understand. No one would object to what is being proposed because it is in everyone's interest. It would save money for the State, get the tribunals to focus on the real issues and they would get their business finished in a couple of years rather than 11 or 15 years.
Will the Leader cast her mind back to 1987 when she was made Minister for Education? At the time she struggled to deal with a huge number of cuts. One of the things that bothered her at the time was that primary schools were being forced to use general purpose rooms and gyms for classrooms. In recent weeks, the House has debated issues of obesity, alcohol and substance abuse and tobacco awareness. However, we are preventing schools from teaching the curriculum. We are denying them access to physical education, which they badly need. While we are still picking up the pieces in regard to the funding of GP rooms in schools, it would be a serious error to turn the clock back on this issue.
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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The Leader should use her good offices and her experience to highlight this matter. She has been through this and knows the issue better than anyone.
Joe O'Toole (Independent)
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Thank you, a Chathaoirligh. Members are a bit unruly on the other side this morning.
Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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I would be happy to have a debate on the European constitutional treaty when we have a full version of it in English. The first concern is to make sure an authoritative English language version and, I hope eventually, an Irish language version are produced.
Will the Leader tell the House whether the State Airports Bill, which deals with Aer Rianta, will be taken next week? It is a matter of major concern.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator should keep to the Order of Business.
Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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I thought I was dealing with the Order of Business. I was asking about next week's business.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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The Senator is entitled to do that. However, he should ignore interruptions.
Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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I presume I will get a yes or no answer.
Brendan Ryan (Labour)
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Much concern has been expressed in regard to the cost of the National Roads Authority's proposed roads investment. I have never been able to obtain the precise figures on land acquisition costs associated with this. However, the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, grinned from ear to ear in the House when I made the point that I had not heard a farmer complain for a long time about the price being paid for land acquisition. I would like to know to what degree the deal which the IFA did regarding land acquisition costs contributed to the huge underestimate of the cost of the roads building programme.
The country is currently being prosecuted by the European Commission for 118 different breaches of EU environmental law and is being investigated for another 85 alleged breaches. The capacity of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to make a mess of things puts him at the head of the Cabinet in this regard. Could we have him to the House to explain how a country which is critically dependent on tourism and which sells itself as a high quality tourist destination, based on the quality of our environment among other things, is in this embarrassing position? If all the prosecutions proceed to the European Court of Justice, we will end up with no tourism industry and potentially with a reputation as the dirtiest country in Europe. This needs to be resolved urgently and immediately if Ireland is to face that level of European embarrassment.
Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)
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I concur with Senator Brian Hayes in his call for a debate on the European constitutional treaty. While it may be a two year process, as Senator Hayes pointed out it is important we engage in proactive debate at this stage. As was the case with the Nice treaty, the "No" lobby is always well organised, albeit that it only represents a minority. It is time the majority were in favour of such things. We should proactively engage in constructive debate at this stage to build for a referendum which may come in the next two years.
Will the Leader ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to come to the House so we can actively debate the review of local government funding, which we understand is under way? It is important we feed into that review now rather than reacting to its findings after the fact.
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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Like many rural Oireachtas Members, I welcome decentralisation. However, I want decentralisation by consent, not by compulsion. As Senator O'Toole rightly stated, if the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service will discuss this issue, so much the better. We all remember when the plan was announced in the budget and the signs stating "Welcome to Parlon country — decentralisation for Laois and Offaly". However, if one thought it was going to be a significant political issue, I point out that the Progressive Democrats ran approximately 20 candidates in Laois and Offaly at the local elections but got perhaps three seats. We should be cautious and deal with the issue properly and sensibly. When I inquired recently about decentralisation plans for Newcastle West, I was informed that some 26 people had volunteered. I am glad to hear this and am sure there are volunteers for other locations. However, there should not be decentralisation by compulsion.
Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)
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I join with Senator O'Toole in seeking a debate in regard to the Mahon tribunal. The debate should not only comment on the report of the chairman; we should consider all of the tribunals. It is a sad reflection on this House that having established tribunals on a number of issues, they are now incurring extensive costs and providing entertainment for many radio programmes, which was not the initial intention. Important matters are being addressed and we need to consider on an all-party basis the terms of reference to ensure the costs are brought back into proportion and to allay widespread public disquiet.
A Chathaoirligh, you had reason yesterday to correct me with regard to a comment I made. I do not wish in any way to breach the rules of the Chair. Therefore, would be in order for me to ask if the printing presses have been decommissioned by the Labour Party yet?
Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)
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We are glad the Senator got the envelopes back. His detection was excellent.
Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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Following from the point made by Senator Ryan, can the Leader confirm that the State Airports Bill will be on the Order Paper next week? She answered recently that this is a matter for the other House, which begins Committee Stage of the Bill today. However, the leaks emanating from various Government sources are confusing and any clarification from the Leader would be welcome.
With regard to the fourth interim report of the planning and payments tribunal, raised by Senators O'Toole and Jim Walsh, when does the Leader envisage the motion coming before the House to amend the terms of reference as requested by Mr. Justice Mahon?
Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)
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With reference to Senator Ryan's point on the cost the National Roads Authority pays for land, it is not excessive in my area. While I have heard figures of €30,000 to €40,000 per acre being paid for land, no money could compensate many farmers for having their farms divided. I know of old homesteads which have been separated from young families living on the land. Farmers do not want to have their land taken for roads. If they receive compensation, they are entitled to every penny they get.
Michael McCarthy (Labour)
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An article was published in today's The Irish Times on the profits made by insurance companies. Some 20 companies in the market made combined pre-tax profits of almost €750 million last year. I recognise the amount of debate we have had in the House in the context of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board and the many areas associated with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and I thank the Leader for organising those debates. However, after all of the relevant legislation has been passed, I hope we can return to the House in the autumn and look forward to a debate having seen a real decrease in the cost of motor insurance, particularly for younger drivers.
In conclusion, I remind Senators that the printing presses of the Labour Party work quite well. We do not use templates or forged signatures.
Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)
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I am pleased that Mullingar and Athlone will benefit from decentralisation. It is important that this process is carried out, but I do not think a gun is being put to anyone's head. It is not only Departments that are being decentralised. Westmeath County Council has set up area offices around the county. There are now four area offices in Westmeath, which is to be welcomed.
Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)
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Do they provide counselling for those who are being decentralised?
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Do you have a question for the Leader?
Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)
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Yes. I always do and it is always answered.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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What about the facilities in the county hospital that have been available for three years but have not yet been opened?
Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)
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It is a great pity that Senator Bannon's former party leader, Deputy Noonan, was unable to obtain the money to open phase 1 from Deputy Quinn.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Order, please. I remind Senators that yesterday I could not accommodate three——
Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)
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Someone should order a cup of tea for Senator Bannon.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Senator, I am speaking. When I am speaking Senators should not interrupt.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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I am speaking, Senator. I remind Senators that yesterday I could not accommodate three Senators on the Order of Business. The same will happen today if there is crossfire such as we have witnessed in the House. I ask Senators to be brief.
Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)
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The area offices are working extremely well. I have no doubt that when decentralisation is implemented, it will operate in a similar manner.
There is evidence from a number of local authorities that there is significant leakage of water from the networks. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has been requested to come to the House to discuss a number of issues. I ask that this issue be dealt with also. The water supply network in a number of local authority areas is faulty and there is major loss through leakage. I would appreciate the opportunity to have a debate on this matter.
Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)
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During the recent phase of kite-flying by the Minister for Education and Science, one of his last ideas was to streamline the system of means testing for higher education grants. He said he will make the system more sophisticated and to do this he will involve the Revenue Commissioners, the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs and the Department of Education and Science. The whole scheme will probably be centralised. Does this demonstrate a lack of confidence in the current providers of means tests, namely the local authorities and the VECs?
If his aim is to provide better access for the disadvantaged and other groups he should consider the statistics, which show that children of those who are self-employed receive 35% or 36% of all grants. The Minister said the system will be reformed during the lifetime of the Government rather than during his tenure in office. Despite the fact that he recently announced an increase of 2% in maintenance grants, which is derisory in the current climate——
Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)
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Will the Leader ask the Minister to indicate clearly what he is trying to do in the area of higher education and maintenance grants? He has tried other methods such as the reintroduction of fees, but his current method is to target the assets of applicants' parents. It is completely unfair of him to change the rules to exclude people from receiving maintenance grants rather than taking account of the need for greater access.
John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)
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I support the calls for a debate on decentralisation. We seem to have forgotten how important it was to prevent bottlenecks in Dublin, which would have hampered growth. Too much development in a particular area causes serious problems and works against the development of the nation. Decentralisation has provided opportunities for growth and development to communities throughout the country, including my home town. We are pleased that Garda headquarters was moved to our area. I commend the Minister on his choice of town. We should promote decentralisation, which was called for by the Opposition for years.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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We cannot have a debate on the issue.
John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)
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Now that decentralisation is being implemented, the Opposition is looking for some reason to complain about it.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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There is a strong demand among the public for safer streets and a safer countryside. Each day in this country, 3,000 people are attacked in their homes or their properties are attacked by vandals. Dublin is one of the most crime-ridden capitals in Europe, although we have a Dublin-based Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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I was obliged to apologise to the House last week after being a victim of crime. My jacket was stolen and I could not attend the House.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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We were promised 2,000 extra gardaí and CCTV cameras at all street corners and traffic lights, but nothing has been delivered. Before the summer recess we should have a debate on crime.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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We have had a lot of thunder talk from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform but no action.
Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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Order, please. The Senator must resume his seat.
James Bannon (Fine Gael)
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We need action and we need it quickly to deal with the problem of crime.
Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Did Senator Bannon have his jacket on at the time?
Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)
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Yesterday there was a call for a debate about the National Roads Authority and the cost of new roads and motorways. Senator Ryan referred to this matter. I would welcome such a debate, but it is also important to remember the communities that are being affected by the proposed new roads. There is one area in east Galway, New Inn, in which a new motorway, a landfill site and a gas pipeline are all being built. We should take account of this issue in any debate about the cost of new roads.
Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)
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Yesterday Senator Henry and I attended a conference at the Dóchas Centre, the women's prison at Mountjoy. It was an interesting experience which raised many questions. One of the most obvious and urgent issues is the relocation of Mountjoy Prison — to where will it be moved? The Dóchas Centre will also be relocated. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform should come to the House to explain his plans for Mountjoy——
Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)
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——and the provision of prison places in general. Do we even need to increase the number of prison places, as the Minister is suggesting?
We urgently need a debate about prisons in general. Why are so many young girls imprisoned for theft? I am not trying to demean the effect of such crimes, but 95% of the women in the Dóchas Centre have been convicted of theft. We have also heard of the many people who are in prison, taking up valuable space and costing the State a fortune, for failure to pay fines. There is an urgent need to discuss the issue of prisons.
Mary Henry (Independent)
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I support Senator Terry's call for a debate on prisons. I was also at the meeting in the women's prison in Mountjoy. There appears to be a one-man policy on prisons and prison building. We should have a debate on this issue early in the next session, if the Leader will organise it, and also on the proposals of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for the Central Mental Hospital. These are serious issues and it appears that all decisions about them are being made by one person.
Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I ask the Leader for a debate on the pollution of our lakes. It has been brought to my attention that the Carrowmore lake, in Bangor Erris, County Mayo, which is a renowned salmon fishing lake, is dead for fishing. There are two problems, the felling of trees by forestry companies and the use of aerial fertiliser sprays. This is causing severe problems for some lakes. I call for the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, to be invited to the House for an urgent debate on the pollution of lakes throughout the country.
11:00 am
Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)
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I support calls for further debate on decentralisation. The proper forum for such a debate is the appropriate Oireachtas committee. However, a message should go from this House that, while there is unanimous support for a programme of decentralisation, there are issues that need to be raised and questions to be answered. That needs to be done in the calm light of day. There was all-party support for decentralisation some weeks ago. In that regard the proposal was hijacked and needs to be put back on the rails.
I support the call for a debate on the proposed EU constitution. Work on the framing of the constitution is coming to a conclusion, but the issue needs to be kept before the people.
I also request, as did Senator McHugh yesterday, that time be set aside to debate Northern Ireland issues before the summer recess. It is important that we put on record the issues we believe should be progressed.
I suggest that we instruct the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to redouble his efforts to find Senator Bannon's jacket.
Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)
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Last Tuesday I raised the issue of special needs assistants for schools. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Education and Science to the House to clarify whether students who are currently receiving special needs assistance will receive the same service in the next school year and for the remainder of the school term. There seems to be confusion in that regard. I am aware of some parents who discovered their children were not on the list and contacted the Department of Education and Science to be told they had made a mistake and that the children are receiving special needs assistance.
I would like the Minister to explain why a circular relating to a decision on the appointment of teachers and principals which was made last March arrived in schools only this week, because this will have severe implications for procedure. Given how it has handled this whole situation, the Department of Education and Science is not the smartest Department in the class.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Brian Hayes, the Leader of the Opposition, called for a debate, if possible next week, on the proposed EU constitution. We are in the process of drawing up a timetable for next week and will try to have such a debate included in some format. The Senator made a valid point. All political parties are inclined to wait until such matters are far advanced before laying the groundwork. If we laid the groundwork we might obviate a repetition of the Nice debacle.
The Senator also raised the issue of decentralisation and referred to the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon. I thought he was very calm and conciliatory this morning. He said his door was open and that anybody could come in, including the Senators who spoke earlier. I hope that will happen and that the Oireachtas committee will be able to renew its discussion on the matter.
Senator O'Toole stated his view that the Oireachtas committee would now debate the issue of decentralisation. These are definitely calmer times, and I expect the debate would be fruitful.
Senator O'Toole also raised the issue of the Mahon tribunal. The Second Stage of the Commissions of Investigation Bill 2003 is to be taken here later today. Its purpose is to simplify and reduce the cost of tribunals and modify the way in which issues are examined by them. Perhaps the interim report could be debated in that context, given that the Senator asked for a debate on the interim report and wanted to know when the change to the terms of reference requested by Judge Mahon would be made. I am sure that information will come through the Office of the Taoiseach or the Department of Finance. I am not sure whether this will be next week.
The Senator also raised the issue of primary schools. When times were difficult PE halls and general purpose rooms, as they were called, were used as classrooms as well as for PE. Physical education leads to the holistic development of people. Now that it is being mooted that the lack of it is one of the main causes of obesity, the issue should be discussed. My colleague, Senator Dardis, raised the issue within his own party. Fianna Fáil Senators have also raised it. We will try to have a debate on it next week, if we can find time to do so.
Senator Ryan agreed we should have a debate on the proposed EU constitution. He also asked whether the State Airports Bill will be taken next week. The Committee Stage debate has just begun in the Dáil. We must await its progress. In the meantime we must move ahead with our business as arranged for next week.
The Senator also raised the issue of the cost of land acquisition by the NRA. That was a matter of debate in Cabinet at the time. This could tie in with a debate on the NRA and how the cost of land acquisition added to the cost of road building.
The Senator also stated that Ireland is being prosecuted for 118 breaches of European environmental law. The European Union issues regulations fairly freely. Having said that, it is a large number of breaches. I will seek precise information on how those matters are being dealt with.
Senator MacSharry agreed we should have a debate on the proposed EU constitution. He also called for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to be invited to the House to debate the review of local government funding so we can have an input rather waiting until it is disbursed and having in input post facto. I will inquire as to whether the Minister, Deputy Cullen, will come to the House to debate the issue.
Senator Finucane welcomed decentralisation. In the debate in this House everybody was in favour of it. We need more debate on how it is to be achieved. There will be no compulsion. That would be ridiculous. Nobody wants decentralisation by compulsion. What is sought is decentralisation by agreement. In the 1970s Athlone was the first centre to benefit from decentralisation when the Department of Education moved there. The people love it. It is a huge asset to the town and everybody has settled in. It is a marvellous facility and is working very well. That took place before faxes, e-mail and modern methods of communication came on stream. Decentralisation can and does work. However, it will require effort to get it right.
Senator Jim Walsh also joined in calls for a debate on the Mahon tribunal. I missed the interchange yesterday and cannot, therefore, comment.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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It went over my head.
Senator Coghlan asked about the Aer Rianta Bill. As I said, it is being debated in the Dáilon Committee Stage and we will await developments.
Senator Scanlon stated that from his knowledge farmers did not get too much for their land. It is one of the beauties of the Seanad that Senators with different views can put those views forward, and that makes for good debate.
Senator Kitt called for a debate on the NRA and the cost of new roads and motorways. It would be useful to have such a debate because, according to reports in yesterday's newspapers, the increase in such costs is huge.
Senator McCarthy called for a debate on insurance company profits. We will have a debate in the autumn on the real decreases in the costs of insurance, bearing in mind the profits made by insurance companies as reported in The Irish Times today.
Senator Glynn spoke on decentralisation. He also raised the issue of leakage of water from the networks, which is particularly evident in the midlands. I suppose they are older water networks that need to be upgraded. Such a programme is being carried out so we can ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for firm facts on that matter.
Senator Ulick Burke spoke about the streamlining of third level fees and maintenance grants. As he spoke, it immediately came to my mind that there is nothing new in education. When I was six months in the job so many years ago, there was to be a streamlining of maintenance grants. Farmers' assets were looked at and so on, but it was agreed that would be incorrect because a farmer cannot sell land to pay for something else. There is confusion as both the VECs and county councils deal with different grant applications. I do not know what happens in Dublin, but outside Dublin each county takes applications for particular types of institutions through its VEC, while applications for other institutions such as universities are processed through the county council. Streamlining this process would be of great benefit to students and parents. That is particularly the case with institutes of technology, as they are not sure whether to approach the VEC or the county council. It is an excellent idea to streamline this process.
Senator Hanafin praised decentralisation. I am sorry to hear about Senator Bannon's jacket. I would advise him to bring a second jacket when he comes to Dublin——
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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I am not being smart about it. It helps to have a change. I understand the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is moving on the issue of the 2,000 extra gardaí.
Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)
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Senator Kitt called for a debate on the NRA. It would be useful to take in his and Senator Ryan's points of view.
Senator Terry must have had an interesting visit to the women's prison in Mountjoy and she wants a statement on prison policy, as does Senator Henry with regard to the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum.
Senator Paddy Burke spoke about the pollution of lakes. He raised it yesterday in the House during the debate on the inland waterways when he mentioned jet skis. Today he claimed that Carrowmore Lake is being heavily polluted by, the felling of trees and agricultural effluent. The old questions and the ways of dealing with them still remain. Lakes are still being polluted by effluent and the over-zealous felling of trees. I know that from my own area. The same Department deals with forestry and lakes and rivers.
Senator Bradford supported a debate on the proposed EU constitution, as well as an Oireachtas debate on decentralisation and on Northern Ireland.
Senator Fergal Browne spoke about the parents of special needs children. I had two visits this morning from local parents whose children had been getting special needs provision, yet now seem to be off the list. We need to get clarification on this matter. It is a huge issue for parents. It is summer time now, yet September looms for every parent. Once the holiday period comes, parents have to get ready for September. I will endeavour to get a statement from the Minister for Education and Science on special needs next week.