Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. There are, however, several issues that I want to clarify. The Minister has stated the supports include assistive technology. I am in contact with many parents of children who have been affected. The assistive technology being provided is not adequate to meet their needs. I gave the examples of the soundfield system and iPads. School staff training is not available in all schools. Parents are seeking access to the Jumpstarting literacy course which would help teachers to work with children affected, but that has not happened to date. There are several difficulties in the provision of support by the Department. although I acknowledge some supports have been put in place. However, we are not dealing with normal circumstances. We are talking about children who have been misdiagnosed. It is imperative that every possible additional support be put in place to allow the children who have had such a difficult start to make the greatest possible progress. There are several inaccuracies in what the Department has stated about assistive technology and school staff training. Will the Minister take these concerns on board? Will the Department respond urgently?