Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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62. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she is aware that a child (details supplied) cannot attend school due to a lack of nursing care; and the measures she is taking to resolve this. [26441/23]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I wish to thank the deputy for the question.

Nursing support for children with complex medical needs in schools is provided directly by the HSE or through a HSE-funded provider. Where a school has identified children with complex needs who require nursing support, they are directed to the HSE.

The National Nursing Programme Pilot for Children with Complex Healthcare Needs is a nationwide pilot scheme run in partnership between HSE and NCSE. The pilot nursing scheme will, for eligible students, extend the Paediatric Home Care Package (PHCP) from their home into the school setting. This will allow an agency nurse attend school with the student for an agreed number of hours per week, and travel to and from school with them, if necessary. There are other eligibility criteria for students and schools. The scheme was launched on 21 October 2022.

I am aware of the case the deputy refers to and can confirm my department are actively engaging with the school, NCSE and HSE with regards to the eligibility criteria of this pilot with a view to ensuring that those children most in need of nursing support can avail of the programme.