Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State knows as well as I do that there is a problem regarding the transition of students with special needs from school. We have both attended meetings where there has been criticism of the transfer of students from primary to post-primary, where the process of integration must be started all over again. We are also both aware of the fact that the HSE is completely reconfiguring the provision of some of its services and this is affecting children from special schools. I know I am speaking to someone who knows more about this than most and the Minister for State has spoken many times about the importance of the mapping of services. I am critical of the Department of Education and Skills because it is not working cohesively with the Department of Health when it comes to children with special needs and the provision of services for them. There seems to be a breakdown in communication. I would be interested to know how much communication is taking place between both Departments. It is critical in dealing with children with special needs, particularly those with autism, that a continuation of services is maintained. Such children really need a sense of continuity in terms of the provision of services. I ask that both Departments would put more emphasis on ensuring that dialogue and communication in this regard is ongoing.

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