Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As I said at the outset, I appreciate the Minister of State's genuine interest in this and it is appreciated by us all in CHO 4. One thing I need to reiterate is that six schools were identified, four of which are in Cork, and to my knowledge, and I have spoken with two principals today, not one of them has received a single therapy in the six weeks during which the scheme has been live. I believe the only reason the HSE touched base with those schools at that times was that we highlighted it here and that the HSE had not engaged initially with the schools. Reading the Minister of State's speech again, it is similar to the last answer I got here. Regarding the reference to engagement between the Department, the Department of Education, the HSE and the NCSE, for me, it is a recipe for disaster when there are so many Departments criss-crossing like that.

Ultimately, the Department of Education identifies the suggested schools but then the HSE has to provide the therapists. I am disappointed it has not started. I am very dubious about the success of this pilot scheme at this stage. That is not what the parents at home who are listening in tonight want to hear but I need to say it as it is. I am very dubious about the potential success of this pilot.

Will the Minister of State clarify the dates of the next intake of schools? She has said here previously that at the end of October the next ten schools will be identified and I believe there will be a roll out subsequently. Will she clarify that date?

I have heard there may be issues with the unions relating to CDNT employees and their desire to take part in this pilot. I believe the union in question has recommended that they do not partake in this scheme. Has she heard this or is she aware of it? Will she comment on it?

I said at the start that I know the Minister of State’s heart is in the right place on this. We are all trying to push in the right direction and get therapies delivered to kids but I am very dubious about the success of this project.

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