William Aird (Laois, Fine Gael)
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238. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide financial supports to ECCE centres, for the provision of sensory rooms for children who are neuro diverse, on the spectrum, require speech/occupational therapy and in particular in relation to the case of a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8232/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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A wide range of supports are available through the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM). The Access and Inclusion Model supports children with additional needs to access and meaningfully participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme through 7 levels of universal and targeted supports.

AIM Level 5 provides funding for specialised equipment, appliances or small capital grants towards minor building alterations. A short report from a designated professional is required confirming that the specialised equipment or minor building alterations are necessary to enable the participation of a child in pre-school.

Unfortunately the provision of sensory rooms are not allowable under this scheme.

Pobal, who are the administrators of all childcare programmes on behalf of the Department, can advise early learning and care service providers on the range of equipment and minor building alterations which are eligible under AIM Level 5.

AIM also provides training programmes for early learning and care educators and providers, including specific training on sensory processing through the sensory processing e-learning programme (SPEL). SPEL helps educators understand how best to support children with sensory processing difficulties.