Sir, – I welcome the move by the five Labour TDs to challenge the “austerity junkies” in the Government (August 2nd) and I now look forward to their support in September for my new Bill. The Down Syndrome – Equality of Access Bill 2013 which affords statutory recognition to Down syndrome as a “low incidence disorder”. This will mean these pupils will be guaranteed resource teaching hours.
It will create jobs and bring in more taxes to the Exchequer. I know the “austerity brigade” will whinge about public spending, but if they can’t find the money, our Minister for Finance will tell them that an extra 2 cents on a packet of cigarettes will bring in €3.1 million or 2 cents on a pint will bring in €13.8 million in a full year. The estimated cost of my Bill is €600,000.
I urge common sense economic management and support for all children with a disability. – Yours, etc,
FINIAN McGRATH, TD,
Kildare Street,
Dublin 2.