David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Lynch for allowing me to support the case she is making here this evening. I believe this decision was made centrally. The impact of this decision will be that tutors, who in some cases have up to eight or nine years' experience dealing with children with special needs and autism, who have studied and gained qualifications in early childhood studies and working with children with ABA but who do not have a B.Ed or primary education certification will be told their training and experience is no longer relevant in this area. They are to be told that from September next they will not be allowed to carry on the work they have been doing.

I ask the Minister to reconsider this decision. It is important these people, who have training and experience in this area, are allowed to carry on the work they have been doing. The parents want them to continue with their work and are happy with them. As Deputy Lynch stated, primary school teachers are also happy to receive these children into primary school at the age of 5 or 6 years having gone through this early preschool special education system with people who are trained, experienced and passionate about what they are doing.

The Minister is saying that only a person with a qualification as a primary teacher can do this work. I contend that is not possible. It is false, dangerous and damaging to these children. I ask the Minister to reconsider this decision.

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