ECCE supports depend on HSE resources

Supports for children with disabilities in the free pre-school year vary widely because of a lack of clear Government policy, according to Children’s Ombudsman Emily Logan.

The ombudsman launched an investigation following a complaint from the mother of a four-year-old profoundly deaf girl who started pre-school in Dublin four years ago.

The findings are now being published, but some issues are still not resolved to the ombudsman’s satisfaction. Among them is the fact that a 2011 report of various Government departments on the issue has yet to be published or fully implemented.