Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes. The final question is one I have probably had for months now. It is to do with children in school. With autism or disability, where a child has assaulted a special needs assistant, SNA, and the SNA has to be put off, there does not seem to be a one-fits-all plan with schools, be it either a special school or a public school. I just cannot get the child in. I cannot tell the mother what to do. You cannot approach the principal because it is between the families. The SNA, who is out sick, cannot be replaced. Then the transport breaks down and you have mothers, mostly mothers, ringing asking whether I have any update. It seems to be very difficult for us, even as public representatives, to even open the door for dialogue to see what the plan is for families. I ask any of our guests to touch on the stress the lack of mental health services causes for children, but also for the parents and grandparents. Are there any supports out there?