St. Mary's Special School in Navan, County Meath, was informed a few weeks ago that the speech and language therapy service at the school was to be withdrawn in four weeks. The therapist at St. Mary's does not just work with the 55 pupils. She also works closely with the principal, she trains the teachers on how best to teach the children, and she works with parents and gives guidance to everyone involved. The principal has said that the therapist is the best she has seen in her 28 years teaching. The nationwide plan to withdraw these services from schools will have a detrimental effect on pupils and parents. The teachers and the principal of this school all fear that the children will regress significantly. Only five children will be able to keep working with the therapist, with 50 children left in limbo. Parents have informed me there is no alternative plan in place with the HSE for these children, or if there is, the HSE has not discussed it with parents. Will the Minister ensure the removal of therapists from special schools is stopped and that the therapists lost are restored immediately? Children cannot be collateral damage because of these decisions.

I thank the Deputy for raising the question today and for giving me the opportunity to bring the House up to speed on it. I met earlier this week with the Minister of State, Deputy English, on the matter and I will be meeting with the school principal, Maria, before the end of May to discuss the issue and to have a positive outcome with her.