Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 November 2010
72 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by families of preschool children with disabilities, who no longer receive funding for special supports to attend preschool in an area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44217/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraGood quality preschool provision is of significant benefit to all children. The HSE currently funds special preschools, specifically for children with a disability, and also provides supports to children with disabilities to attend mainstream preschools, however, the nature and extent of this support can vary across the country.
In this context, and as the Deputy is aware, a cross sectoral working group was established by the Office for Disability and Mental Health earlier this year to develop and agree a framework for the inclusion of young children with disabilities in mainstream preschool settings. I am advised that the Group's report will be completed in the coming weeks. It will then be circulated to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, the Health Service Executive and the Department of Education and Skills for further consideration in the light of available resources and competing priorities for 2011 and subsequent years.
73 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she and the Health Service Executive are taking to examine the issue of funding provision for special supports for preschool children with disabilities; if a policy is being produced on this issue to assist these children and their families to access preschool supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44218/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, a cross sectoral working group was established by the Office for Disability and Mental Health earlier this year to develop and agree a framework for the inclusion of young children with disabilities in mainstream pre-school settings. I am advised that the Group's report will be completed in the coming weeks. It will then be circulated to the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, the Health Service Executive and the Department of Education and Skills for further consideration in the light of available resources and competing priorities for 2011 and subsequent years.
