Dr. Fidelma Brady:

I thank the Deputy. We stated that a child with complex needs will need suitable supports to make progress. As has been said, it is not just about literacy and numeracy. Down's syndrome is a complex disorder. It is a chromosomal disorder and intellectual disability. It is not just about bringing the child out for a bit of an extra push in respect of reading or numeracy. These children have issues, including very severe speech and language disorders, motor and sensory issues, auditory and visual differences and they have health issues. All of these things together need to be met in a school situation. It is not going to work if a thin layer of support is going to be there to give them an extra boost in maths and reading. That is what we mean when we say their complex needs must be met. Mr. Kelly may wish to come in.