David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

Is the Minister of State suggesting that a person recently qualified from teacher training college with a BEd is more qualified to teach a preschool child who may be non-verbal and autistic than somebody with a diploma or degree in early child care studies who might be a qualified social worker with qualification in PECS, ABA, early childhood studies, Lámh and perhaps child protection? I draw the attention of the Minister of State to a letter sent in respect of such a person who is not a qualified person but who has eight years' experience. The letter pointed out that this tutor would not be eligible to deliver the tuition next year. Appendix A to the home-based July provision been changed. In the past it was "either-or" and now no preference is given. A person with a qualification in autism only is now not allowed to teach and will not be allowed to teach in the future. Would the Minister of State not agree that is a backward step and that children will suffer?

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