Down syndrome learning supports
Denis Naughten seeks September learning supports for children with mild Down syndrome and asks about ratification of the UN disability convention; the Government says the education concerns are being addressed through reports and pilot projects.
I wish to raise two issues with the Tánaiste. Earlier this month, the parents of children with Down's syndrome met the Minister for Education and Skills on the need to fast-track learning supports to end what they describe as educational discrimination for children who have been officially diagnosed with mild Down's syndrome. It will cost about €1 million to put these supports in place. Can the Tánaiste assure the House that they will be put in place by September? I will tell the Tánaiste where the money can be obtained.
Comment on this
It is on promised legislation. At the moment, the Department of Education and Skills is spending €1.5 million on issuing payslips to teachers. It would be far better to put that money into supporting children within our education system rather than spending it on issuing payslips. In that context, does the Government intend to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities before the end of this Government's lifetime?
My second question for the Tánaiste is on an issue I raised with the Taoiseach a few weeks ago, but I am still waiting for a reply. It concerns planning regulations for wind turbines. The revised regulations were to be published last September, but we still have not got them. Last week, Coillte had to remove its equipment from Sliabh Ban in County Roscommon where that semi-State company had contravened the planning conditions laid down in a wind farm development. When are we going to see those regulations?