Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I note that this programme is to be rolled out during the second quarter of 2019. I believe it is an area that should be given priority. It is very important for the children. One of the people providing therapeutic services in that school has retired or resigned and there has been difficulty in appointing a replacement. It is so important for the children. Any parent with a child with a disability works extremely hard to give that support to children. The parents are giving their support and I note that the Brothers of Charity have done a huge amount of work in this area over a long number of years. However, it is important the State gives the necessary support, especially when a school has made so much progress in a very short period in terms of expansion and the growing of services. The key element is the therapeutic service. We must ensure we have the level of service required and that it be put in place at the earliest possible date so that we do not have to wait until the third quarter for the roll out of the programme.