Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his contribution. To clarify, the early intervention class can only be reinstated on the basis that the SENO, the only person operating in the region with the expertise to determine the special needs requirements of each child in the area, in liaison and consultation with the HSE, determines there are sufficient children in the area who wish to attend the school and avail of an early intervention service. If it transpires between now and September that sufficient children have been identified and there is sufficient demand, the NCSE, as was always the case, will consider reopening the class. I do not believe anybody acted in haste. As of now, the SENO has yet to identify any child that will require such a service. That is not to say a need may not be established between now and September. If it is, the NCSE and the Department have committed unequivocally to meeting it.

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