Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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99. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if assurances will be given that the early intervention class programme for ASD preschool children will not be stopped or defunded; the details of her plans to continue to support children with additional needs and ensure their needs are addressed at the earliest stage possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13601/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The principal vehicle for the delivery of pre-school education is the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme which provides early childhood care and education for children of pre-school age. Since 2016 the inclusion of children with a special needs, including Autism, in the ECCE Scheme has been supported under the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) for pre-school.

First 5 is the whole-of-Government strategy to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families, commits to continue to roll out AIM to ensure the full inclusion of children with special needs.

The report of the Inter-Departmental Group in 2016 recommended that early intervention classes and other specialist pre-school supports provided by my Department should remain in place and be reviewed three years from the introduction of the model.

The AIM End of Year 3 Evaluation is currently underway, and is scheduled for completion in December 2021. Consideration of the further development of AIM will take place following completion of the evaluation.