We have repeatedly received complaints about the poor provision of services for people with disabilities, particularly children, and access to various therapies - including speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy - and respite care. I am conscious that significant sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act have not been commenced despite the fact that it is well over ten years since the latter's enactment in 2004. Key elements of the Act relating to the rights of children to early assessments and various other measures have simply not been commenced. Will the Taoiseach provide an update on the Government's progress in commencing the remaining sections of the Act, particularly those relating to the rights of children?

I do not have an up-to-date note on the Act in front of me but I will ask the Minister for Education and Skills to write to the Deputy with an update on the sections not commenced and when we propose to commence them. With respect to services, there have been two very significant improvements under way in the past few months. The first is the new pilot to provide speech and language therapy in schools, which will work in quite a few schools across the country.

That was our idea.

Speech and language therapy will be provided in schools, meaning children will not need to go on a Health Service Executive waiting list. It might be the way forward for many children who need speech and language therapy. There is also an additional €10 million to be put into respite, allowing us to open approximately 12 new respite homes across the country. That will be very much welcomed.