Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for the reply. I hope it reassures principals, teachers, SNAs and, in particular, parents, because this has been an issue, as the Minister of State said, which has worried hundreds if not thousands of people across the country. I am particularly thankful that the NCSE will be contacting schools in the coming days to clarify the position because, while I appreciate the reply, I am not sure how many people are tuned into Oireachtas TV. Despite our best efforts to reply to everybody, literally hearing it from the horse's mouth would have more value than anything else.

While I am still on my feet, I would like to advocate for early intervention. The earlier we can get care and assistance to our children the less need they will have for it later. We really have to focus on a model of early intervention. If we do not, the expense and need will continue to grow. I ask that the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, take this on board, particularly in the context of the upcoming budget.

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