Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The inclusion of children with special educational needs is one of the priorities in my discussion paper. Consultation with the sector suggests that it is not fit for purpose. We spoke about this at a committee meeting in July. Some 271 children with special educational needs are availing of the split preschool year. We were both amazed at this low number, which was supplied by the Department. Something needs to happen in this area as the approach is totally disjointed. There is great variance between counties. In some counties it is very good and the HSE is doing a good job. On the other side, in some counties it is very bad and we need to have a proper system in order that parents of children with special educational needs know they can avail of the universal preschool year. In some instances, preschool providers are turning away children because they cannot provide for the special needs of the children. I hope that area will receive priority in the early child care strategy.

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