Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

On the question of children who are diagnosed as having mild intellectual disabilities in the context of the Down's syndrome spectrum, the position in this regard was clearly explained to me by the parents of those children. They also outlined the fact that their children need supports and greater certainty regarding the supports they obtain in school.

On when a decision will be made, I need to examine the overall position quite quickly. This is not a matter which can be allowed to lie for too long, particularly in the context of the need to make provision in respect of allocations for the next school year.

In terms of the Deputy's disappointment regarding the fact that the new model has not been implemented, it became clear to me that we were simply not ready to implement it because we lacked full information to allow us to assess the complex needs of the children involved. In addition, we would not have been able to respond adequately to concerns regarding what would happen in individual schools next September if the new model were introduced. I am conscious of the fact that there are specific issues relating to children with Down's syndrome.

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