I want to raise the issue of supports for children with autism with additional needs. I have listened to many Ministers talk in recent weeks about the issue of children with additional needs and, to be honest, I found it quite nauseating. I worked as a child and family support network co-ordinator with Tusla for many years and I have worked with so many families who, prior to Covid-19, found it next to impossible to access services in an appropriate time. They usually waited years for assessments, early interventions, school-age teams and even placements. Today, I was in contact with a parent of James, who is eight years old and who is in palliative care. He lives in Corduff and has two days a week of service on the Navan Road, but he cannot get to it because he has no transport. I raised this matter during the last lockdown when this parent provided her own transport. She cannot afford to keep paying for a taxi so can funding be provided for that?

If the Deputy wants to pass on the details of that family to me, I will look into it and see if we can do something for them in terms of a transport grant or making some arrangement so they can get to their service. Our main focus is trying to get primary schools back open for children with special and additional needs. I am glad that engagement has resumed between the Department of Education and trade unions on that. It is hoped that can be done soon because those kids and parents need the special schools open.