Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)

The Deputy has raised some really serious issues. First, the Government will continue to put in place additional funding and support to help those families who are waiting for the additional needs assessments that we know are really important. Second, actions are being taken by the Government to increase the classes, the therapists and the teachers who are needed to be in those classes. Third, we need to consider, which of course we will do in conjunction with the committee of which the Deputy is a member, how we are conducting these assessments of additional needs and how it could be done in a way that deals with the issue of speed of access.

I know at first hand the huge frustration, anxiety and worry that many families experience as they wait for that assessment and the deep effect it has on their lives and those of the young girls and boys they are looking after as parents. They are the actions that we are taking as a Government and this is a high priority for us in terms of making a difference.

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