Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank both Ministers for coming in. Following on from the two previous Deputies and, I note, from the Minister, I think language is extremely important and is what shapes the report. It is the first protocol. I agree it needs to be changed because we are making the students who avail of these supports lesser and suggesting they are not getting the same education as young people in a school setting, though in many cases they are getting the same education.

I would welcome the report if it guaranteed a safety net. When we first met the young people of Cork Life Centre, they described the arrangement as a safety net, a safe space. Education is not for all young people and, as the Minister said, one shoe does not fit all. Our education system has to be able to work with young people where they are at. As said, Cork Life Centre works with young people up to the age of 18. This should be included in the review.

To move on a little from the report, I wish to refer to supports for Ukrainian refugees. Who is responsible for early schooling, including preschool and early childhood services? As everyone who is a parent at this table knows, there is a minimal number of spaces available for children at present. How is what is provided being funded? Is there fair access? Are there spaces for toddlers or children from three years of age?

A representative of AsIAm attended a meeting of the disability committee a few weeks ago when we were talking about meeting Ukrainian people where they are at in respect of providing special needs education-----