Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The HSE has confirmed it will continue to support services. I agree with the Senator that this is the type of service that we should provide everywhere if we are now saying that no child with a disability should go to a segregated school, even though I admit that I believe that in some cases there is a very particular need for a specialist school which would be of benefit to those with particular disabilities. We encourage parents to make the choice about putting their children in mainstream education. We need to get together to see how this choice can be supported. Teachers enable the delivery of education and socialisation to all children but the supports are needed for some children. However, this is not solely a matter within the remit of the Department of Health nor of the HSE, even though the HSE needs to reassure parents about the funding for the coming year. The responsibility definitely lies with a combination of Departments and it is a case of them getting together to decide on a change to how service for those with disabilities will be delivered in the community to both children and adults with disabilities.