Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her reply. To be clear, the issue is not about the qualifications of nurses or the care they provide, rather it is to have a system of professional accountability and support. I know that these nurses working in special schools feel very isolated because there are no prescribed rules, practices and procedures for them to follow.

At the very least that is a framework they require and that should be under the auspices of the Health Service Executive. We inspect various aspects of medical care from nursing homes to whatever, and I am aware that is the responsibility of the Health Information and Quality Authority. As the Minister rightly pointed out, we are talking about only a small number of cases but they are important because if nursing care is not provided for these children and young adults, they will not be able to attend school. It is beholding on the Minister that a proper system of support and accountability is put in place, in whatever form it takes. We must take into account the reality of financial constraints but these people cannot be left out on a limb as they are at the moment.

I urge that the recommendations of the National Council for Special Education would be taken on board and that ways are found to address the current shortcomings in the education system but which are the responsibility of the Department of Health.

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