Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)

I thank the Deputy and welcome his comments. I agree with him that we need a roadmap to see where we are going. It cannot be spaced out over time because children with disabilities need supports now.

The Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, are working closely together to ensure this is rolled out as quickly as possible. Despite all of these challenges, work is ongoing to develop services that can meet the needs of families and children with complex needs, including those attending special schools. The collaborative work to date between stakeholders to ensure the effective delivery of the special schools pilot is acknowledged. This has enabled the recruitment of all posts for Cork, which the Deputy mentioned. Furthermore, the National Disability Authority has been commissioned by the HSE to undertake an independent evaluation of the special schools pilot with a full report expected late in the summer of this year. The results of this evaluation will be used to identify how the initial phase of the pilot has gone and to improve further delivery.

In addition, the cross-sectoral group on disability issues for children and young people, which provides leadership and supports decision-making for key Departments and agencies, will have a role in the delivery of disability services. This has been jointly re-established by the Departments of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. and the Education. The cross-sectoral group engages on and directs key strategic policy issues that arise. This includes supporting the special schools pilot steering group, which has been incorporated into a subgroup.

The Minister wishes to restate her full commitment and that of the Department and the HSE to pursuing all avenues to ensure that access to school-based therapists for children with special needs in Cork and across the country is a priority.

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