My main question was about the workforce report for the CDNTs and about the school inclusion model being the solution the Taoiseach has often spoken about.

I return to the issue of school-based therapies. I welcome that this will be rolled out in special schools in September. I would like to think these will be holistic therapies. Some families are worried they will just be school-based and it is vital that teachers, SNAs and parents are all made aware of what best practice is. At times, even technological back-up is absolutely vital and should not be left out. When do we move to school-based therapies being rolled out properly in the context of mainstream? I spoke ab…

The CDNT workforce report that was carried out in October. I imagine that, within it, there is an audit of what the need is and whether filling all of those positions will be enough. If we cannot do it, even with the best will and planning in the world, through the CDNTs and primary care, school will be the only place for this issue to be sorted out. We need to deal with this as soon as possible.

It was meant to happen in January.

Deputy Byrne has brought up the issue of the Dublin to Belfast rail line and we want to see the four-track solution. I brought up previously, including last week, the issue of capacity on the Enterprise service from Dublin to Belfast. Anybody getting on, particularly at peak times, talks about it being incredibly uncomfortable and there not being enough space. We need greater capacity in the sense of a greater number of carriages or whatever. Even when people have booked tickets, they cannot necessarily get their s…

I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given under Standing Order 39 and the name of the Member in each case: Deputy Erin McGreehan - To discuss the need for more robust dog control legislation. Deputy Pat Buckley - To discuss the need for increased core funding for family resource centres. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman - To discuss delivery of a new bus service linking the Blanchardstown Centre and surrounding areas with Dublin Airport. Deputy Joanna Byrne - To discuss un…

I agree with the Minister that there are increased costs for those with disabilities and their families. There has been a failure to address this. That is a matter we need to look at. Has the Minister had an update on the reasonable accommodation fund and the disability awareness support scheme? The idea is to look at this from the point of view of facilitating employers as much as possible - I dealt with the previous Minister on this - and ensuring that there are reasonable accommodations, whether they are technol…

It goes without saying that the means test must be removed for carers. We all know the financial impact on a home of dealing with a child with additional needs. The issue must be addressed. I also agree that the discrepancy in the figures must be addressed. There must be some element of flexibility for carers who work as carers, who sometimes go over the 18.5 hours, in particular in cases where they are making up for somebody not coming in. Could we deal with the time over a longer period to allow for that and also…

I add my voice to that of Deputy Smith in respect of the case he made. Commuters from Dundalk are constantly talking about the issues that exist in regard to Irish Rail. It is a case of insufficient capacity and it needs to be dealt with. There is no shortage of issues relating to disability in the public domain this week. That is obviously what the Children's Rights Alliance said in relation to the issues that children are facing being unacceptable and unconstitutional. We have heard about the protest planned rega…

I will talk about autism services.

CDNT is insufficient. There are 530 positions vacant at the minute-----

-----but the only solution here is the school inclusion model.

We need to see that and a one-stop shop.

I also wish the Minister and Minister of State well. There has been abject failure. There was an abject failure to reach 40,000 houses, which we all saw coming, unfortunately. The Government would say it did not, but either way we need to see success here or every Member is going to be inundated – as I and many others already are – by representations from those who are suffering due to the housing crisis. There are those who cannot afford the rents. I did my usual and looked at daft.ie . There were 15 places in Dun…

The Government has it in its power to deal with the committee issue. That just involves making it clear that a Member is either in government or he or she is not. I want to bring up an issue that falls into the Minister of State's own bailiwick - the Mental Health Act and the proposals to amend it. I have come across a number of unfortunate cases relating to an issue that lies with the Garda. Gardaí are constantly arresting individuals they come across, but under the Mental Health Act they cannot get a person signe…

They are a danger to themselves and others.

Time is up, Deputy.

A Theachta----

Is leor sin. Déanfaidh sin cúis.

Thank you.