Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. Is it the case then that once the two years is completed, regardless of the other circumstances, that child will not be eligible for the overage exemption? I could be wrong but until now, that was not my understanding of it. I thought it was supposed to be available mainly for children who might have additional needs or who might be struggling. As we all know, the waiting times now for assessments and various therapies have become ridiculous. In many cases, the services and a specialist are saying that the child could benefit from the overage exemption but they are still not getting it. One of the criteria mentioned was if they have done the full two years. If they have done the two years, why is that in place at all if they are not going to be eligible for it? I am dealing with a particular case in Carlow where this overage exemption is really needed but those concerned have met with a brick wall on it. I appreciate what the Minister said about moving on, the access and inclusion model, AIM, and so on but in certain situations it is both the provider and the parents, and perhaps a specialist, who are saying this would really benefit the child yet there does not seem to be any give on that. I am sorry. I did not realise the time. I will come back in on that.

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