Emer Higgins
Dublin Mid-West · Fine Gael · Ireland
“With regard to the background, and as the Senator has touched on, this project was designed on the basis of a 30-year operational lease, with the primary objective of delivering value for money over the lifetime of that lease.”
“Regarding the specific situation in Castlebar that the Senator has raised, Tusla has indicated that following careful consideration, including extensive negotiations, which he referred to, and legal mediation with the developers, it was unable to reach an agreement.”
“They came forward, often at enormous personal cost, and continued to seek answers and accountability when the very systems that should have protected them had failed. For many survivors of child sexual abuse, the abuse does not end when it stops.”
“The strongest projects are those that invest in feasibility studies, site assessments, stakeholder engagement and detailed design from the outset, because decisions made at the earliest stage often have the greatest impact on cost, quality and operational performance.”
“As a result, it made a significant uplift on its original offer. The additional increase sought could not be justified, however, when benchmarked against comparable projects across both Tusla and the HSE. That comes back to the value-for-money argument.”
“Justice Michael White for their significant work and acknowledge how deeply distressing the findings are. They reveal repeated missed opportunities, ignored warning signs and systemic failures that allowed abuse to occur over many years. Children who should have been protected were instead left vulnerable.”
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“I thank Deputy Sherlock for raising this important issue. We have just had a discussion on the same issue with Deputy Whitmore. I reiterate that the Government is fully committed to the provision of additional special places for children with special educational needs. In this academic year, we have surplus special education provision. It was provided based on the numbers notified through the parents notify process, and a number of these places still exist nationwide. Over 2,700 new special education places have been provided. Many of these are in special classes, meaning there are now 3,741 special classes in our education system. We will further build our specialist provision next year by providing at least 3,000 new places, placing provision in locations where it is best placed to meet existing and future demand.”
“The earlier notification system will help us when it comes to continuing to roll out new special schools and new special classes across the country.”
“I will absolutely take it up directly with the NCSE as to why more information is not available for parents on its website, particularly for parents who missed that 1 October deadline because they missed it through no fault of their own; they were waiting for an assessment. I will absolutely do that. While I am sure it will be written into the Dáil record, the Deputy should have information specific to Wicklow because this Topical Issue was originally to discuss special education in Wicklow. There are 132 special classes now in operation, providing capacity for 800 students. That includes 12 special classes for this year. That means the number of classes in County Wicklow has almost doubled in the past five years.”
“I, too, agree with the need for a new process. Every year for countless years, we have had parents at the last minute not knowing where their children are going to school. This is about reducing, as much as possible, that stress, strain and uncertainty. We now have the information as of 1 October. The NCSE is working hard to collate, process and map that out to figure out the schools that may have physical capacity to take on additional classrooms and where we might be able to put in additional special schools. It was great to see the sod turned for a new building for St. Catherine’s Special School in the Deputy’s constituency earlier this week. These projects are happening around the country. The information is needed to be able to inform the strategy of the areas where those projects are needed the most.”
“In respect of SENOs refusing letters of recommendation, that is something the Deputy might raise directly with the Minister of State with responsibility for special education, Deputy Moynihan.”
“It is important that we put this deadline in place for forward-planning purposes and that an earlier timeframe is worked to in which the NCSE has much more local knowledge and detail as soon as possible. I appreciate the information is not online. That is probably causing an information vacuum. I am encountering it myself. Parents are coming to me saying they have missed that deadline. I have been in touch with the Minister in this regard. Ultimately, what needs to happen is that the NCSE will collate and assess the information which has gone in - it was only in the last number of weeks it has gotten the information – and it will make decisions based on that. I will also ask it to put that information up online.”
“Once the NCSE has fully collated and assessed the information, it will then be in a position to engage with the schools and the principals across the country, which the Deputy spoke about, in order to open new special classes. In doing this, the NCSE will also have due regard to any vacant places in existing special classes in an area and any places that will become available through the normal movement of children leaving primary or post-primary school. With regard to the Deputy’s point about parents who missed that cut-off deadline, I am assured directly by the Minister and the NCSE that they will continue to support all children made known to them, whether that is after that deadline.”
“This can be achieved either through the expansion of existing special schools or the establishment of new schools. The earlier notification deadline is about getting us to that point. It was introduced this year to support forward planning and earlier equip the NCSE with the local information as to the students who will be leaving school, transitioning to post-primary specialist places, seeking specialist primary places or placement or entering education for the first time. That information is absolutely critical to examine where provision needs to be placed in order to meet demand. That information is not fully collated or assessed yet.”
“It brought in a much earlier deadline in order to be able to do exactly what the Deputy has articulated, that is, make those offers earlier to give both parents and children the certainty they deserve and need. At the moment, the NCSE has done that and it will have a clear, locally-mapped picture of local demand right across the country for special place classes for the coming academic year once it reviews and assesses the information that was provided through the parents notification portal, which, as the Deputy said, closed on 1 October. I am informed the NCSE will start sanctioning new special classes for the coming academic year shortly. The Department and the NCSE will continue to consider options for increasing special school capacity for exactly the reason the Deputy outlined, that is, to ensure capacity where there is need.”
“I thank Deputy Whitmore for raising this really important issue. At the outset, I want to assure her that the Government is absolutely committed to the provision of additional special places for children with special educational needs. Budget 2026 secured funding for 3,000 new specialist places and the NCSE is currently examining where these places are best located for the coming academic year. Deputy Whitmore raised three specific issues which I will address in turn. I have a number of pieces of information in relation to Wicklow but I will speak to the three points that the Deputy raised. The first concerned the NCSE, the new system and the letter of eligibility. Yes, the NCSE brought in a new system.”
“As the Deputy said in his opening remarks, this is at pre-stage one which is why the Department was not able to give me either a start or completion date. The context is that the site needs to be transferred into new ownership and the tender needs to go live. The documentation is being worked on for that tender to go live, which I hope the Deputy will agree is very encouraging. I will pass on his feedback in relation to the conditions the staff and students of the schools are working in.”
“I thank Deputy McGrath for his response, for his advocacy on behalf of the schools and for taking the time to go and visit both schools and provide feedback on the floor of the Dáil on what he has seen. This is a little bit more complex than some proposals because we are talking about the amalgamation of two schools. We are also talking about a site that is privately owned and that must come into the ownership of the Cork Diocesan Trust first. The fact that a project manager is already in place and is looking at this and preparing the tender documents is quite helpful but there is that added dimension of ownership which I assume will need to be sorted out. I went back to the Department of Education to ask if would be possible to get a clear timeframe that I could give the Deputy today.”
“Currently the two national schools are located off site, in two separate locations where they will remain until the new school building is completed. From the account given by the Deputy today, it sounds like the conditions the students and staff are operating in are not satisfactory. I will pass that on to the Minister and ask that it be taken into consideration as the plan is progressed with urgency.”
“This programme is being led by integrated project teams consisting of highly skilled and experienced design professionals, architects, engineers, project managers, quantity surveyors and various other consultants to deliver the projects. The project manager for this particular project was appointed in the third quarter of 2023 and is in the process of preparing documentation for the tender process for the appointment of integrated project teams for the phase 2 bundle of projects. The brief for the project is to provide a new 16-classroom primary school with four classrooms for pupils with special educational needs. The new school is expected to be located on a 6.068 acre site which is currently privately owned but is anticipated to be transferred into the ownership of Cork Diocesan Trust.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. I am taking this on behalf of the Minister for Education and Youth. This gives me the opportunity to outline to the Dáil the current position regarding the proposed amalgamation of Ringaskiddy Lower National School and Shanbally National School in County Cork. This project is planned to be delivered as part of phase 2 of the Department’s Adapt 4 programme. That programme uses a professional external programme manager to co-ordinate and drive the integrated project team to achieve the best possible timeframe for the project through the stages of architectural planning, to tender and construction.”
“I will pass on the Deputy's feedback to the Minister to see if planning was granted whether it would be possible for the Department to fund those works. Right now, there is no planning grounds for it. That seems to be the problem and that is where I will advise the Deputy to take this next.”
“I thank the Deputy. I hear and appreciate his frustration. The number of car parking spaces currently provided for is in line with the approved planning requirements. In order to change the plans, there would need to be a new planning application. I appreciate he does not want to do that after the new school is built, given that it would involve additional disruption. The advice would be to engage now with Louth County Council to see it is if it is possible for the planning changes to happen.”
“In July, the Government announced a capital allocation of €7.55 billion for the Department of Education and Youth for the period 2026 to 2030 under the new national development plan, NDP. As part of this allocation, the Department will place a strong emphasis on provision for children with special educational needs, with a particular focus on meeting annual school place needs. Regarding project roll-out for larger-scale projects and the additional school accommodation scheme, the approach will be to continue to maximise capacity and prioritise the most urgent needs. The Deputy spoke about a solution for his school put forward by the principal, namely, widening the road and extending the car park. To me, this might require planning permission and would be something he would need to engage on with Louth County Council.”
“While I appreciate the Deputy has said the problem could be resolved simply, it sounds like it would require changes to a planning application. Since 2020, the Department has invested over €6 billion in schools throughout the country under the national development plan, involving the completion of over 1,300 school buildings. In addition, repurposing and optimisation of existing accommodation capacity across the school estate has been a key enabler of timely, local provision of special class capacity in a way that supports best practice in inclusion and integration. About 80% of new special classes in 2025-26 are being facilitated in repurposed classroom accommodation.”
“The Department has been actively engaging with the design team and Louth County Council throughout the process and will continue to engage to provide practical advice and assistance on this important project. The Minister for Education and Youth acknowledged that the school previously submitted a request for additional car park spaces which was reviewed by the Department but was not approved. The design team is now required to construct and progress the project in accordance with the project brief, as agreed in the service level agreement and in accordance with any local authority planning conditions. The number of car parking spaces currently provided for is what is in the planning conditions. What is currently provided for is in line with the approved planning requirements and what happens generally.”
“I thank the Deputy for raising this matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy Hildegard Naughton. As he said, the brief for this major school building project is to provide an eight-classroom school with an additional four classroom special educational needs, SEN, base included. The project has been devolved to Louth County Council for delivery. The project is currently at stage 4, that is, construction, of the delivery process. It is envisaged that, pending no unforeseen delays or issues, the estimated completion date will be within the first quarter of 2026. It is great to hear that the Deputy had a site visit and saw with his own eyes how well the construction is proceeding. From his account, it sounds like the project is on track to meet the deadline.”
“The Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill 2025 has a single provision, to increase the statutory limit on the cumulative capital outlay, commitments and liabilities that may be incurred by Screen Ireland. I thank everyone who was involved in the Bill, including the Minister, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, and his team and the officials who are with me today. I commend this Bill to the House.”
“They have all agreed guidelines on copyright and intellectual property rights. I hope that is welcome news. Irish talent and Irish production companies supported by Screen Ireland have achieved outstanding international success over the last decade. Irish-originated films, TV drama, animation and documentaries have been enjoyed by audiences worldwide and have premiered at major international festivals. They have sold in every territory around the world and they have received critical acclaim and awards recognition at the highest levels. Major successful international films and TV dramas have also been produced across Ireland, generating a substantial contribution to the economy, providing significant employment and world-class skills development.”
“I echo Deputy Devlin's deep condolences on the sad passing of Hugh Wallace. May he rest in peace. I send my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. I thank Deputy Devlin for his comments and assure him the Minister, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, is very committed to increasing a focus on gaming. The vast majority of Screen Ireland funding goes to the indigenous screen industries. Deputy Boyd Barrett spoke about taxation and legislation, as I said. He also spoke about EU law, DAC and the industry test, which is part of the application process for tax relief. In terms of buyout contracts, the Screen Ireland copyright process includes the trade unions Irish Equity and SIPTU, employees, Screen Producers Ireland, Animation Ireland and the creative guilds representing directors, screenwriters and composers.”
“Screen Ireland gives grants and loans and, to be clear, is not involved in tax. I thank Deputy Ó Murchú, who has arrived back just in time. We all love Irish productions and are proud of our talented creatives. I fully agree with him on that. Deputy Sheehan spoke about "Sunphlowers", which premiered this year in July at the Galway Film Fleadh. It showcased north County Dublin at its best as well as the creative skills of the crew and the creatives involved. The Deputy also spoke about film in Limerick. I assure him that is part of the work and that Paul Ryan works with Screen Ireland. I also reassure Deputy Sheehan and his colleague in north Dublin that ongoing negotiations are happening with the developers regarding The Complex arts centre and that the Department is working to support those discussions.”
“I thank the Dáil and acknowledge the interest and support of Members for this technical but important Bill. It was really heartening to have the engagement and to hear so many of the TV shows and films that I watch being mentioned here today. It shows the fantastic talent that we have in Ireland and why it is so important that we continue to support the industry. I am going to take a moment to respond to some of the queries and concerns raised here today. I thank Deputy Ó Snodaigh for his kind words about Screen Ireland and assure him that Department officials are in ongoing contact with Irish Equity and SIPTU in relation to the issues he raised. Deputies Ó Snodaigh, Sheehan and Boyd Barrett raised the matter of section 481 tax relief. I confirm this is not part of this Bill and Screen Ireland has no competency in the area of tax.”
“The benefits of high levels of film and television production in Ireland include increased international investment in the economy, increased employment in this sector, positive spin-off effects for promoting the country as a tourist location and as an industrial location for all aspects of creative endeavours. That is why I am really pleased to commend this Bill to the House.”
“Despite the real challenges posed by a very competitive global landscape, we are witnessing a growing ecosystem of studios, talented artists, supportive programmes and international investment. The Minister, Deputy Patrick O’Donovan, has indicated that he intends to bring forward further proposals to amend and update the Irish Film Board Acts next year. There is potential for growth in the Irish digital gaming sector. This is a sector in which Screen Ireland will be taking a greater role over the coming years. In an increasingly competitive international environment, Screen Ireland will be able to continue to effectively discharge its vital role of promoting our indigenous film industry and marketing Ireland as a location for incoming internationally mobile productions. Our cultural and artistic identity gives us a competitive advantage.”
“This initiative is now in its fifth year and has supported digital games prototypes to support existing series, new tech workflows and the exploration of a range of new storytelling formats. More recently, Screen Ireland has launched several funding initiatives for digital games, including IndieDev, the first all-island initiative to support the development of games prototypes, as well as talent incubator schemes designed to encourage cultural, creative and commercial growth in the sector. The agency is also working jointly with IMIRT, the game developers' representative organisation, to develop a competency framework for the industry. This will support and further build a skills development pipeline that can sustain growth into the future. Ireland’s digital games sector has shown sustained momentum in recent years.”
“This is providing skills development programmes to local crew and new entrants based nearby. Over the next year, we will see a range of productions of all sizes being encouraged to film in regions around the country, including season two of the very successful Irish language series “Crá” in Donegal. The need for continued Government investment is vital to build on these success stories. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels. We must seek out new opportunities to give our industry the help and opportunities it deserves. Screen Ireland supports the games sector with its innovation in storytelling development fund, in partnership with Animation Ireland.”
“Regional production taking place across Ireland brings cultural and economic benefits to the entire country. Crucially, this can also provide the opportunity to build cultural infrastructure in new geographic areas and to tell more diverse, cultural stories on our screens. Alongside its national talent academies network and support for film festivals in Cork, Galway, Dingle and beyond, Screen Ireland has committed to regional development by ring-fencing its funding in its annual budgets in recent years to provide targeted support. This year alone, its nationwide additional production fund has supported seven different productions to film in counties Sligo, Cork, Donegal, Louth and Kerry, while large-scale TV productions like “Wayfinders” set up their base in Troy Studios, Limerick.”
“Screen Ireland aims to support and promote Irish film, television and animation through fostering Irish artistic vision and our diverse creative and production talent, growing audiences and attracting filmmakers and investment into the country. Recent years have been significant in terms of Irish creative talent and the Irish screen industries for the commercial and critical plaudits of Irish film not only at home but also on the international stage. Our highly trained and skilled shooting and construction crews are crucial in making Ireland an attractive location for projects, with record-breaking productions like “Wednesday” locating here. The Irish screen industries are now in a strong position as a result of years of investment by the Irish Government.”
“This network has been established to develop a highly skilled, diverse talent and crew base throughout the country, offering a wide range of activities for the Irish screen industry, including courses, programmes and career opportunities. The overarching aim of the national talent academies is to address and support current educational skills gaps in the screen sector and support the next generation of creatives - filmmakers, producers, directors, screenwriters, animators, VFX artists, game developers and production crew. The approach that Screen Ireland has taken is the envy of many of our competitors.”
“A skilled workforce is achieved through partnership and collaboration, and building a stronger ecosystem supported by stakeholder organisations, Screen Ireland's national talent academies network and Irish production companies nationwide. The national talent academies network is a recent initiative of Screen Ireland and includes the national talent academy for film and television, led by Ardán in Galway, the national talent academy for animation, led by Animation Ireland, the national talent academy for VFX, led by Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, and three regional crew academies in Galway, Limerick and Wicklow.”
“Screen Ireland has a skills and training division that is responsible for monitoring the needs of the screen sectors and ensuring that those needs are met at all levels. As part of its skills programme, for example, Screen Ireland has co-developed a bachelor of arts in screen industry practice, in conjunction with TU Dublin. The degree course is aimed at experienced professionals within the sector who do not have a level 8 qualification. There are currently 30 people enrolled in this course. Screen Ireland also supports initiatives across animation, digital games, TV, VFX and the unscripted and extended reality sectors, aimed at all levels, from new entrants to experienced professionals, as well as engagement with our next generation of young filmmakers in the 15- to 19-year-old age category.”
“Screen Ireland is committed to the development of the indigenous audiovisual industry into the future, supported by the agency’s strategic plan 2025-2029, and working with all stakeholders and industry partners to collectively deliver on the Government’s ambition to establish Ireland as a global production hub. As an agency, Screen Ireland remains deeply committed to best practice and the principles of sustainability in all aspects of industry development, including environmental protection, green production, dignity in the workplace and nationwide development. A skilled workforce in the screen sector is a crucial component for the development and maintenance of our screen industries.”
“I really hope to see the Republic of Ireland take part. These are just a few of the many wonderful productions with which Screen Ireland has been involved. Screen Ireland operates a dual approach to industry development. It is one that maintains a balance between indigenous productions and incoming internationally mobile projects. That creates a range of opportunities for Irish creatives to work in partnership with Irish or international studios. The success of this approach has resulted in a stronger and more sustainable environment for screen production. As our screen industries continue to grow, balance and partnership remain priorities, alongside an enhanced focus on sustainable production.”
“Screen Ireland began funding TV drama in 2015, and since then, the output for TV drama production in Ireland has seen a remarkable increase, almost tripling in production spend. Deputies may be familiar with some of the fantastic Irish-based TV dramas made possible in recent years by Screen Ireland’s support. These include “Obituary”, “The Dry”, “Hidden Assets”, “The Young Offenders” and “The Walsh Sisters”. Feature films include “That They May Face the Rising Sun” and the Irish language film “Báite”. One to watch out for is “Saipan”, which is coming to our cinemas in January. It is about the events at the 2002 World Cup, and stars young Cork actor Éanna Hardwicke as Roy Keane, alongside Steve Coogan as Mick McCarthy. This is apt timing, with the World Cup draw taking place tomorrow in Washington DC.”
“Screen Ireland-supported films won 78 national and international awards in the fields of film, TV and animation. Through Screen Ireland, Irish film has sustained a presence at A-list festivals, from the historic selection of “Kneecap” and “Small Things Like These” at Sundance and the Berlin Film Festival to an unprecedented showing for Irish film at the Cannes Film Festival, which listed “The Apprentice”, “September Says”, “Kinds of Kindness”, “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” and “The Surfer”. The selection of a film to be shown at A-list film festivals, whether Cannes, Berlin, Venice or Sundance Toronto, is a huge honour, and only the world’s best productions are chosen. Screen Ireland continues to support emerging Irish talent through screenings, networking events and talent promotion initiatives at major festivals throughout the year.”
“With a comprehensive range of practical funding supports across development, production, distribution, promotion and skills development, since 2018, Screen Ireland has assisted in the production of 115 feature film projects, 44 television dramas, 80 documentaries, 41 animation projects and 69 short films. Screen Ireland has also supported projects for distribution and has seen the development of over 1,100 projects in the period. With the success of Irish screen productions, activity is increasing in the sector. This is made evident by the dramatic increase in applications for funding to Screen Ireland. In 2025 alone, Screen Ireland reported an overall 65% increase in the number of applications for its various funding streams when compared with 2024, which itself was a dynamic year.”
“Its statutory remit is to assist, encourage and develop the screen sectors across the State. Screen Ireland supports these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects. The allocation to Screen Ireland will be €42.96 million in 2026. This is an increase of €2.1 million, or 5.1%, on the amount allocated this year. The additional funding in 2026 will allow Screen Ireland to keep the indigenous production levels at a pace consistent with previous years. It will enable Screen Ireland to encourage more regional production in the Irish language, continue the talent academies and have an increased focus on digital games. Screen Ireland is the creative partner to the screen sector, investing in talent, creativity and enterprise.”
“Funding of Screen Ireland is, of course, subject to the normal Estimates procedures as set out by the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation. The proposed legislation will not, therefore, mean any additional cost to the Exchequer as Screen Ireland’s annual allocation is set by the Oireachtas each year. Section 2 cites this Bill as the Irish Film Board (Amendment Bill) 2025 and, together with the Irish Film Board Acts 1980 to 2018, will be cited as the Irish Film Board Acts 1980 to 2025. Screen Ireland is the national development agency for Irish screen sectors including feature film, TV drama, animation, creative documentary and digital gaming. Screen Ireland operates within the framework of the Irish Film Board Acts 1980 to 2018.”
“As is the case with some statutory bodies that receive public funding, a limit was set by statute on such outlays in the Irish Film Board Act 1980. This limit must be reviewed by the Houses of the Oireachtas every six to seven years. In this way, the Oireachtas can monitor cumulative capital funding to this statutory body each time the limit needs to be increased. Since the Irish Film Board Act 1980 was first enacted, the funding limit has been adjusted upwards on six occasions. It is now proposed to increase this limit to €840 million to allow Screen Ireland to continue to operate within an appropriate statutory limit. The proposal to increase the limit on advances is an enabling provision.”
“I move: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time". I am pleased to introduce the Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill 2025 to the House. It was initiated in the Seanad on 14 November and passed through the final Stages there on 26 November. I look forward to hearing Deputies' contributions and I hope they will support this Bill. Officials from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport will be with me shortly and can provide any information anybody here might like. This is a short, technical Bill. The Irish Film Board (Amendment) Bill 2025 has one important objective, namely, to increase the statutory limit on the cumulative capital outlay, commitments and liabilities that can be advanced by Screen Ireland, which was formerly known as the Irish Film Board. The limit will be increased from €500 million to €840 million.”
“I want to be clear in saying to Members that the Government is listening to families and is working towards further significant investment and reform in the months ahead. That is part of a radical transformation programme across disability services. While not opposing this Bill, at this stage, I firmly believe that our focus must be on continuing to implement a programme of operational, policy and legislative reforms which will improve access to therapies and services for children with disabilities. I think that is a goal we all share and I really look forward to working with Members to make that happen.”
“Over the last week, since my appointment as Minister of State with responsibility for disability, I have been out in communities meeting people with disabilities, their families, carers, the volunteers supporting them and getting a clear sense of the barriers people are facing every single day. I look forward to continuing that work over the coming weeks and months ahead. I have also had the opportunity over the past week to meet with some of the dedicated professionals delivering those much-needed services through section 38 and 39 organisations, the HSE and also through my committed officials in the Department who I know are driving policies that will improve access to services.”
“I look forward to continuing the work of my predecessor, the Minister of State, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, in what is a really important area. The Government has clearly signalled its intent to support disabled people. This can be seen across a number of areas. Senator Stephenson referenced the recent budget. Budget 2026 saw a record €3.8 billion allocated for HSE disability services. This represents €618 million extra, or a 20% uplift, in current funding on 2025. It follows significant year-on-year increases in recent years and an overall increase of €1.85 billion, or 91%, since 2020. Notwithstanding that significant investment, all of us know of the frustrations that individuals and families experience when it comes to accessing the services they need.”
“I, of course, acknowledge that there are really important challenges that we must address if disability services in this country are to fully meet the needs and expectations of those at the heart of the service to enable them optimise their potential and to be able to live their lives as they deserve. This Government supports the intent of the Bill and has chosen not to oppose it on that basis. I must, however, point out that there are significant challenges in the reality of the fact that the State has limited resources. As Senator Tully said earlier, I spent a number of years with her and other Members of this House and the Dáil as a member of the Committee on Disability Matters. I am delighted to have the opportunity to attend here today in my new role as Minister of State with responsibility for disability.”
“I thank all of our Senators who have contributed today, in particular Senator Clonan for bringing forward this Bill forward. It is great to hear that his son Eoghan is in the House. I am sure it is an important day for him. I reassure Senator Flynn that I dropped into that event the Ceann Comhairle is hosting today for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. It is a really good initiative. I welcome the opportunity to speak to the House to reassure its Members that this Government is fully committed to people with disabilities and their families.”
“I am not sure if that is the age cohort of the family in question that the Senator raised this issue for, but the design of AIM will ensure that it meets the different needs of children in different cohorts. That will depend on the funding secured through the annual budget process, but we are on a good trajectory for funding. I spoke about the increases in funding this year and last. An action plan has also been developed to respond to other areas of improvement identified through that AIM evaluation. That includes things like increasing awareness and the streamlining of application processes.”