Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I know the Minister is aware that it is very traumatic for parents who have found a system they feel works for their children to feel this system will be pulled from under them. For example, a parent could be using home tuition grants for ABA. I realise the Minister has produced a list which is relatively broad and flexible. However, there are situations where a person may not have the right ABA or picture exchange communication system, PECS, training that fits on the Minister's list.

Can the Minister tell me if there is any grace or space whereby somebody who has possibly been working with a child for a number of years but needs to be trained can be given the time and space to get whatever the relevant qualification might be? For those parents, it is very traumatic to think they might have to terminate the thing that is working for them.

I reiterate Deputy Enright's question about the applications that are already in, which the Minister did not really answer. An application has been made by the Bluebell ABA school in my constituency, which is carrying out fabulous work but which is in danger of closing if it does not get an answer soon. The people who have set up these ABA schools using the home tuition grant to fund them need an answer as quickly as possible.

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