Patrick O'Donovan, TD

Press Statements, Justice

Speaking in the Dail today, Fine Gael TD for Dublin South Olivia Mitchell said that for the first time ever, there was no provision in the health budget to provide services to 18-year old disabled children.

Olivia Mitchell, called on the Minister for Health, James Reilly, to ensure funding is provided for 18 year old disabled children after they leave education.

Deputy Conlan on the 23rd of February 2012 spoke in the Dáil on the need for a medical card application form shake-up.

I thank the Minister of the State for taking this debate. I wish to raise two issues regarding disability services. I acknowledge the Government wants to protect them but the overall reduction in the budget allocation for these services is 3.7%, 2% of which is supposed to be achieved through efficiencies.

To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he could outline the training courses Bord Iascaigh Mhara provides; if his attention has been drawn to reports that Bord Iascaigh Mhara is providing training courses for activities that might be deemed outside its remit and providing those courses at a cost significantly below the going market value to the detriment of private competitors; if he will confirm that he is satisfied Bord Iascaigh Mhara is using its State funding in an appropriate manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if, in making the decisions regarding the number of teachers allocated to small primary schools, a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 can be considered a special case in view of the particular purpose for which the school was set up, its historic association with the Cathedral; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the status of the draft guidelines on development contributions for local authorities; when these guidelines are planned to go for public consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter?

To ask the Minister for Health if he will clarify the level of provision allocated by the Health Service Executive to cater for the on-going education, training and activation of children with special needs, who leave school in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter?