John McGuinness

The Minister of State should conclude.

That is not a matter for the Minister of State.

It is. Deputy Bennett.

On the same line of questioning, if we reduce the waiting list so quickly then the next waiting list is for the therapy, so there will still be a huge number of children waiting for therapies, particularly speech and language. I referenced in the Dáil this week the children with Down's syndrome who are waiting. What happens when all of those children are added to the list?

The HIQA report on Dublin referred to by the Deputy sets out specifics. The questions raised by parents all over the country are similar to the questions raised in the context of the HIQA report and Tusla. What is the process in Tusla to respond to individual complaints of a serious nature? Is it expected to respond to and deal with issues or is it the case that parents have to go further? I refer…

A short response from the Minister of State.

I thank the Minister of State. That concludes questions to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality.

I wish the Minister and the Minister of State and their officials a happy Christmas.

We are moving on to a grouping of Questions Nos. 108, 112 and 119.

Can I clarify that with the clerk that it is the grouping of Questions Nos. 108, 112 and 119?

Yes. The questions are in the names of Deputies O'Reilly, Séamus McGrath and Deputy Neville.

I could not give the Minister of State guidance, for God's sake. You would not take it anyway.

I call Deputy Séamus McGrath.

No, the Minister of State should hold on.

He is very anxious.

Deputy Farrell will take Question No. 110 on behalf of Deputy Pa Daly.

Deputy Brennan has a question.

I thought Deputy Brennan was coming in on this question.

He has cleverly used his time.

Before we commence Leaders’ Questions, I ask colleagues to join me in extending a warm welcome to H.E. Ms Kara Owen, the British ambassador to Ireland, who has joined us in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. Ambassador Owen, who has recently commenced her role, is accompanied in the Chamber today by officials from the British embassy in Dublin. You are very welcome to Leinster House. We wish the …

Thank you, Deputy.

Thank you, Tánaiste.

Thank you, Deputy.

I thank Deputy Fitzmaurice.

Put the question.