Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The free pre-school year is supposed to be a universal benefit for all children but, as we know, many children with disabilities are prevented of availing of it due to the absence of necessary supports. In a previous answer, the Minister stated the support is not available nationally. The availability of SNAs to enable a child's attendance depends on where they live and ranges from none at all to only covering a proportion of the week.

Many parents are forced to hire SNAs, otherwise the child would be denied an opportunity to attend. This question deals with access to the free pre-school year, particularly for those with disabilities. What is in place is inadequate and there are serious difficulties. I ask the Minister and the interdepartmental group under his aegis, to consider seriously this matter in their work.

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