Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004
162 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of amendments that he accepted in the new Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill that were tabled by this Deputy; and if he will give an update on the Bill. [18564/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill was passed by the Dáil on 26 May and has been scheduled to commence Second Stage in the Seanad on Wednesday, 23 June. While it is a matter for the Select Committee on Education and Science and the Houses to accept or reject amendments to legislation, the debates held on this Bill were particularly constructive. I was anxious to reflect the views of others in my own amendments wherever possible. The Bill underwent very substantial changes as a result of the comments of all the Deputies involved.
On Report Stage, I moved more than 70 amendments to accommodate arguments made by the Deputy and others on Committee Stage. In many cases, those arguments were made separately by several Deputies including Deputy McGrath. The amendments were accepted by the House. In addition to the amendments I moved on Report Stage, a small number of amendments moved by others were accepted by the House, including one moved by the Deputy. These changes have very significantly improved the provisions of the Bill and I record again my thanks to all those who participated in our discussions.
