Mr. Frank Hanlon:

It was really about the point that Deputy Tully made around what we call the private group provider scheme. We knew not every special school would be in our programme this year, although I am delighted we have had that increase. However, we have opened it out to other groups now, as the Deputy said, maybe voluntary groups or local charities and they can step in. We will support them in terms of what is required. It pretty much mirrors what is in the school-based system in terms of the teacher set-up. We have had a couple of inquiries and we are working with a couple of different groups I know are going to do it in a couple of areas where the need is there. We are continuing to do that with a couple of other groups as well. I would like to see this as possibly the start of something because it is about having access for the children who need it most. I know that is what this committee is about and we totally agree with that. Like the Minister said, we are seeing the start of something really positive this year. As she also said, the role of the national co-ordinator has been really important in that because he has gone out and met school representatives. He is a peer. He can show them the benefits around the programme. He is bringing on schools that will act in a really positive way to show other schools. What we want is for schools to follow other schools on this. We have organised for the first time ever separate training in person for the special schools in Athlone, which I think is happening tomorrow, so that special schools are actually coming together and collaborating and looking at best practice and at ways to do this in the best way possible. There is more work to do but we are trying to put it out there that there is something for everybody.