SDLP Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA, Tommy Gallagher said he was, 'extremely concerned' at the removal of in-school occupational therapy services from Elmbrook special school in Derrygonnelly and the Erne School in Enniskillen.

"I have been told", he stated, "that the Western Trust has pulled out the occupational therapists from both these schools until April in order to deal with a backlog of demand in the general occupational therapy service".

A spokesperson for the Trust insisted it had not suspended the service: "We are currently looking at the structure and design of the service to ensure that those in greatest need and those who have been waiting longest receive the service first".

However, Mr Gallagher was not convinced, describing the removal of OT in-school services as, 'a very hard-hearted decision'.

"It is an imperfect service at the best of times, but the children in these schools due to their disabilities highly depend on this crucial service. OT is built into the children's routine, and one result will be to throw a greater burden onto teachers and, ultimately onto parents.

"This is a clear priority for the service", he added, " and it is outrageous that it should seek to solve issues around lack of resources by withdrawing the service from such a vulnerable group, even on the short term."

The Principal of the Erne School, Noreen McElroy confirmed that the situation was as outlined by Tommy Gallagher.

"At the moment, I cannot add anything more. What I am hoping, really hoping, is that these services will be reinstated early in April. They were withdrawn early in the new year. Quite a few children were receiving them and I would have to point out that these are statemented children, ie it is part of their statement that they are entitled to OT in school".