Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that and I thank the Minister. The Minister has hit the nail on the head: early intervention is critical, especially for a child with special educational needs. Longer interventions are critical as well. This is why I am saying that at a time of tight resources we should be looking at introducing a second preschool year for these children. We should get in early and provide longer interventions. This will save money in the long run and leave these special children better equipped to deal with mainstream education at primary level.

I would welcome it if the Minister could give a commitment today to provide me with the figure for all children with special educational needs who are availing of the free preschool year. Will the Minister establish what it would cost to introduce the second preschool year for this section of society? Does the Minister not believe it is appropriate that the contract should be reviewed and that it is altogether despicable that a child care provider, in this day and age, can refuse a child with special educational needs entering mainstream child care? I believe it is despicable and I would welcome it if the Minister gave a commitment on the floor of the Dáil today to the effect that the contract will be reviewed to ensure this practice cannot continue in future.

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