Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I suggested to the Cavan and Monaghan child care committees that they circulate it and perhaps begin to have that discussion. If there is any way my Department can facilitate that, I would be happy for it to do so.

As I stated, I was impressed with the project. It is similar to the CDI project in Tallaght from which I am awaiting results. I would be confident that this is the kind of initiative that will be replicated. Certainly, I will be including it in my early years strategy as a model of good practice, as Deputy Ó Caoláin stated.

All of the evidence shows that if we reach out to children at an early age when they have a speech disability or any other disability such as an emotional or cognitive disability, in many cases the disability reduces and is dealt with more effectively.

I am pleased that Deputy Ó Caoláin raised in the House what is happening in this initiative in Cavan-Monaghan. It is one that certainly can be replicated. It would be interesting to hear the response of the professional organisations as well. I will arrange to get a response from them and I will communicate with Deputy Ó Caoláin on that.

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