Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
951. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the services that are available for a child who has a brain tumour and requires a full-time nurse while attending preschool; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10114/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a programme of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities or additional needs can access the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) mainstream programme. The goal of AIM is to empower early learning and care providers to deliver an inclusive pre-school experience, ensuring that every eligible child can meaningfully participate in the ECCE programme and reap the benefits of quality early learning and care in any mainstream service participating in ECCE. A core feature and strength of AIM is that it does not require a diagnosis. Instead, resources are allocated based on a child’s individual needs.
AIM also provides supports for children with complex healthcare needs in the ECCE programme through an extension of the HSE Paediatric Home Care Package (PHCP), which enables their attendance at preschool. The Complex Healthcare Needs (CHN) trial provides nursing support to facilitate a child’s attendance during ECCE hours where the child has complex medical needs and is in receipt of a HSE Paediatric Home Care Package. The trial enables children with significant medical needs, who may otherwise be unable to attend ECCE, to participate meaningfully with appropriate care. The trial is being undertaken in a collaboration between the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Health, and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The HSE Key Contact must complete a clinical nursing need assessment. If the assessment determines that nursing support is required to attend preschool, a registered nurse will be engaged as an extension of the HSE Paediatric Home Care Package.
