Mr. Jim Mulkerrins:

As well as the 127 early intervention classes for children with autism, the Department has a couple of early intervention classes for children who are deaf or hard of hearing as well. There is questionable benefit in early intervention for children generally, that is, those who are typically developing, other than the ECCE-type provision. There is questionable benefit, therefore, in extending what the Department is currently doing in its preschool classes. The point is addressed properly through the new access and inclusion model, AIM, where early intervention will be available to all children with special educational needs and disabilities through the ECCE provisions, supported by additional investment in that area.