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ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision
of funding for therapists for children with autism at Lucan Educate Together
School; and the reason his Department queried whether therapies were a need
or beneficial.
Mr. N. Dempsey: (Education Minister)
The position is that the school in question applied to my Department for
funding towards the continuation of specific therapies within the school.
The therapies include art therapy, 'Stretch & Grow'- a specific exercise
and health programme, and music therapy. General responsibility for the
provision of therapy services is a matter for the health authorities and
my officials have contacted the Department of Health and Children to acquaint
them with the proposal.
I should point out that therapists were recruited and the therapies put
into practice in the school before any application was made to my Department
for funding.
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