Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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41. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the annual Pobal early years sector survey which found that children with special educational needs face a huge challenge in participating in preschool education due to the reduction in the number of special needs assistant hours per child care provider during the reporting period, which was 2014; the solutions he will put in place to enhance access for children with disabilities or special education needs to mainstream child care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35533/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I am committed to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to participate in, and benefit from, the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme.

I have been conscious for some time of the difficulty experienced by some children with a disability in accessing and benefiting fully from the ECCE programme. With this in mind, my Department and the Departments of Education and Skills, and Health worked together with their respective agencies to develop and cost a new model of ECCE supports for children with a disability. My Department led the process, with full and active support from the other two sectors.

I was very pleased to announce, as part of Budget 2016, the necessary funding to implement the model proposed by the Group. The new model will bring supports including enhanced continuing professional development for early years practitioners; grants for equipment, appliances and minor alterations; and access to therapeutic intervention. I have provided funding of €15m to phase these supports in during 2016. Full year costs for these supports are estimated to be €33m from 2017 onwards.

I believe that the work of this Group has identified a practical, workable model for meeting the needs of children with a disability, so as to maximise their potential for benefiting from the ECCE programme. The allocation of €15m funding is clear evidence of the Government's commitment to supporting vulnerable children.