The section of the programme for Government relating to disability refers to accessibility for people with disabilities and getting access to services that suit their needs. Throughout the country, school places for children with autism are particularly difficult to secure. There are zero autism spectrum disorder, ASD, classes in Dublin 2, 4, and 6, there is one such class in Dublin 6W and there are no early intervention classes in any of these areas. Despite the need to establish ASD classes in Dublin 2, 4 and 6, agreed to and identified by the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, no schools have agreed to open special classes. Will the Government compel schools in these areas to open ASD classes as a matter of urgency?

Throughout his political career, the Taoiseach has taken a special interest in children with special needs. As the previous speaker noted, there is a commitment in the programme for Government to: "reduce the waiting times for assessment of need under the Disability Act 2005 through the full year provision of additional therapy posts." It is clear that the commitments under the Disability Act 2005 are not being honoured in the context of children with disabilities. There are severe waiting lists for primary care services and for therapy provided under the assessment of need and early intervention team provisions. This is unacceptable and it poses a great deal of stress for children and their parents. It is also not right that many children with autism or special needs are without appropriate school plans in either special schools or special classes. Can the staffing levels in the appropriate therapy disciplines be increased to tackle these waiting lists? Can a five-year projection of special needs education in each school catchment area be undertaken without delay in order to ensure that the necessary school plans will be provided in a timely manner?

I wish to ask the Taoiseach about two European Council framework decisions of 2008 that were meant to be transposed into Irish law by 2012 at the latest. It is now 2020. When will the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Decisions on Supervision Measures) Bill 2019 be restored to the Order Paper? It was passed in the Seanad and then came to this House. When will it be restored to the Order Paper in order that it can be put through the House? When will the criminal justice Bill on the mutual recognition of custodial sentences be published? Both Bills are well overdue, by eight years.

To respond to Deputy Ó Cuív, next week we will bring the Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Decisions on Supervision Measures) Bill 2019 back before the House. I will revert to the Deputy in respect of the publication of the mutual recognition of custodial sentences Bill.

I agree with Deputy Haughey's points about the need for greater provision for intervention teams in the areas of both education and health. I favour greater recruitment of speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists in schools. I am of the view that we should expand that programme significantly over the lifetime of the Government and there is a commitment in the programme for Government in respect of the matter.

As to the other point raised by Deputies Haughey and Andrews, all children with special needs should have the appropriate school placements provided for them in September.

The previous Dáil agreed legislation between all parties to give greater power to the Minister if the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, requests that a direction be taken. That is not exactly an ideal mechanism in the way it has been drafted. It seems to me we need stronger advocacy for the child within the system. It is something I will work on with the respective Ministers to make this a real priority in terms of the needs of children with special needs and their families.