School admissions legislation
Finian McGrath seeks action to provide resource hours for children with Down’s syndrome; the Taoiseach says the education admissions Bill is being prepared and is due later this year.
With regard to the education (admission to school) Bill, is the Taoiseach aware that next September between 30 and 35 young children with Down's syndrome will start primary school? Following yesterday's all-party meeting attended by many of the Taoiseach's party colleagues, will he use his clout in the coming days to ensure these young children get resource hours in September?
Comment on this
Yes. I am referring to the education (admission to school) Bill. Following massive support from the Taoiseach's backbenchers, will he use his clout and pressure the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, to act on this issue? Some of the other Deputies had 20-minute slots and I am sticking to the agenda.
Comment on this
The heads of the education (admission to school) Bill are being worked on and it is due later this year. The Minister for Education and Skills received a copy of a report from the National Council for Special Education and this report needs to be discussed by parents, teachers and all involved in this matter. After the Minister received the report the Government heard from the Minister about it.