Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not disagree with the Deputy. This school inclusion model will make a significant difference. I will bring the Deputy's comments and contribution on the availability of therapists to the attention of the Minister of State with responsibility in this area, Deputy Rabbitte. Returning to the criteria for this region, it is important that there should be no overlap with existing in-school speech and language pilot projects. There should be capacity to co-ordinate with existing HSE services and to bring all schools together for continuing professional training, CPD, events. They should, if possible, be in an area which has been reconfigured in respect of progressing services for people with disabilities. These similar criteria could form a basis for a future roll-out. We are aware, obviously, that extra funding was provided to us in the budget, through the NCSE to recruit extra therapists, behavioural practitioners, etc., so that we can expand the school inclusion model from this September and in the years to come. That will revolutionise the experience for children with additional needs, as the Deputy stated.

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