Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 October 2016
254. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will arrange for the application of a person (details supplied) for a special needs assistant for the second ECCE preschool year to be processed without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29094/16]
View answerThe Deputy has asked specifically about the provision of a Special Needs Assistant. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs does not fund these services. However, the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), which is a new programme of supports to enable children with a disability to access and fully participate in the free pre-school programme, was introduced in June 2016 and is administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department. The degree of support provided depends on the needs of the child in the context of the pre-school service. My Department has made enquiries of Pobal in relation to this query and it is understood that an application was received for support under AIM. This is being processed in accordance with agreed protocols ensuring due process, fairness and equity.
The Parent(s) and Pre-school Provider will be notified of the decision as early as possible and certainly within the next three weeks.
