I know the Taoiseach is familiar with St. Killian's Special School on the north side of Cork city. He is probably aware of its campaign, which was successful a number of weeks ago insofar as it can provide private in-school therapies up to Christmas thanks to a decision by the local chief executive of the HSE who provided additional funding. St. Killian's was successful in its campaign but there are about 12 or 13 other special schools in Cork and about 140 nationwide that have not been afforded the same flexibility by their local HSE. How does the Government propose to deal with this because we always say in here that it should not matter where you live or a postcode lottery should not matter? In this case, precedent has been set and I would like to see that opportunity extended to other special schools.

What we want to do is ultimately to roll out therapists in special schools so they can work with children during the school day and children will not have to leave the school setting to attend appointments in the community. The Deputy mentioned the work around St. Killian's. That is an issue for the HSE and the Minister of State with responsibility for disability. We set up a pilot between Dublin and Cork for these school therapists and we want to see that rolled out across the country. We are starting with Dublin and Cork. The NCSE is on the ground not only in Dublin and Cork but across the country ensuring we are forward planning and engaging with schools that do need those extra supports, particularly where there is a high level of demand.