The decision by the Cabinet on Tuesday that it will not oppose the second stage of Independent TD Finian McGrath’s bill, due before the Dáil today, has been welcomed by Down Syndrome Ireland.

However yesterday’s comments by a spokesperson for Education Minister Ruairi Quinn, indicating that this Bill will most likely be superseded by a new system of giving special needs teaching supports to schools before it ever becomes law, has caused grave concern in Down Syndrome Ireland.

CEO of DSI Pat Clarke said “Minister Quinn expects proposals from the working group in six to eight weeks, but has previously signaled it will be at least September 2015 before any changes can take effect. What is of concern to me is the children starting school in September 2014, if this Bill is not brought into passing.”

“We need this implemented as a matter of urgency, because children who need resource teaching hours simply cannot afford to wait. It is imperative that this Bill be passed to ensure all children get equal opportunity to an education in this country.”  he concluded.