Troy raises crucial issue of special needs education in special Dáil debate [fiannafail.ie]
- Published: 20 July 2011
Fianna Fáil TD for Longford / Westmeath Robert Troy has raised the significant issue of pre-school education provision for children with special needs during a special Adjournment Debate in the Dáil.
Speaking during the debate Deputy Troy said: “When the ECCE [Early Childhood Care and Education] scheme was introduced, the HSE early intervention teams were told children could apply for a second free pre-school year. Exemptions were to be allowed where children had been assessed by the HSE or a treating consultant as having special needs that would delay their entry to school or if the enrolment policy of the local primary school was to accept children at an older age. Those were the circumstances in which a child could apply for a second year of pre-school.
“In the wider Mullingar district and 75% of County Westmeath, only 20 children are currently waiting for their second free pre-school.
“This is something that can and should be delivered by the Government.”
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