Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. The key issue, as he noted and the letter from St. John of God community services states, is that demand for residential services in St. Augustine's special school has decreased. Nevertheless, regardless of whether only two or three children are involved, they should be facilitated through the provision of services. It is crucial that disabled children and their families do not find themselves having to fight for services. They must feel comfortable that wraparound services are being provided in school. I urge the Minister of State to intervene with St. John of God community services to ensure it maintains residential services for current and future students. While I accept the point he makes about special needs assistants, it is important that children using residential services are able to continue using these services.

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