Kathleen Funchion
Question:263. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of persons (details supplied) with additional needs registered with early years services. [21166/17]
View answerThursday, 4 May 2017
Questions (263)
Written answers
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. AIM supports children with disabilities to attend mainstream pre-school where they can learn and socialise with their peers. The degree of support provided depends on the needs of the child availing of the free pre-school programme, in the context of the pre-school service registered with my Department.
Figures provided by Pobal indicate that, at 2 May 2017, a total of 2,065 children with a disability are benefiting from support under AIM.