Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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642. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will consider the introduction of special needs assistants for children attending preschool services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28304/14]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I am aware that the Health Service Executive does, where possible, provide additional supports to children with special needs to enable them to avail of preschool services in mainstream preschool settings.

My Department has been working with the Department of Health in the context of building better supports to facilitate the inclusion of special needs children in mainstream preschool settings. However the issue of supports for children with special needs availing of services in mainstream child care facilities remains a matter for the Department of Health and the HSE, and parents seeking additional supports should contact their Local Health Office.