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

I am aware of the major problems with quality and so on. I did not refer to the introduction of a second free preschool year. I asked about how the Department will support children with special educational needs who cannot avail of the current preschool year, which is the primary problem. What does that say about the Government's inclusion policy?

The Minister did not answer the question about who has statutory responsibility for this area. Is it the HSE or the Department of Education and Skills? A national inclusion policy is needed to ensure these children receive the necessary supports and to ensure a uniform approach throughout the country.

The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act must also be implemented in full to provide legislative back-up. Is the Minister aware that service providers are legally entitled to refuse to accept a child with special educational needs seeking to avail of the free preschool year if the necessary supports are not available?

See this speech in context