Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is about building capacity and the thing that has come to me most in recent weeks, when engaging with parents and children about what they want, is that they want the place that is most appropriate for them, although that can be different for every young person and student. It might be a special school, a special classroom in a mainstream school or a mainstream place with additional supports. In rolling out the therapies, while we have given a commitment to starting with special schools because that is where the need is most acute, my priority and that of the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, is to make sure that it is not just in special schools but is extended to children who are in special education classrooms. If we can make progress and build capacity, we will have supports available to every child who needs them. That is about making sure the structure works, that we get it up and running as quickly as possible and that it complements a lot of the positive work that is happening. We all acknowledge we can do more and that we can do better, and that is what we are trying to achieve here. There is an absolute commitment by the Government to making sure we provide these therapies in our schools and that those who need them most get them.

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