Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

My second question relates to SNAs in a particular preschool. There is only one ASD preschool in Kilkenny and as such Ms Griffin will probably be aware of the preschool I am speaking about it. The preschool can cater for 12 children but it has only nine children enrolled, with diagnoses in respect of three other children delayed owing to Covid-19. Every year, this preschool is inundated with queries. This time last year I was dealing with a number of parents who were hoping to get their children in there. It is not the case that there is a lack of demand or need for this service. The preschool has been advised that if it does not have ten children enrolled by the end of September it will lose an SNA. It will definitely be able to fill all of its places in the months ahead but it currently cannot do so owing to Covid-19 and delays in diagnoses. I would welcome a comment from Ms Griffin.