Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

He might. The Minister can see that the crisis over third-level funding engages this committee significantly. I assure him that when we enter private session we will be agreeing a work programme in this regard. There is to be a very substantive piece on consultation with all the relevant stakeholders in respect of the Cassells report. As has been mentioned by my colleagues, we are facing an immediate crisis while we are considering all the implications of the report.

Let me return to the area of special education. The ASD units are doing a terrific job. I believe they represent the way forward in special education. An issue arises for teachers, particularly at primary level, who have not had the necessary training they believe they need to teach in the best possible way. There really is a need for investment in developing the skills of teachers in this area.

The preschool sector must now deal with four different departments, namely, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Department of Education and Skills, Tusla and Pobal. They are inspected by four different groups. This is very difficult for them. The capitation rate is low. The take-up on the second year is not really working out. The staff are paid for only 38 weeks out of 52. The staff themselves can opt for social welfare during the summer months but the operators cannot do that. The preschool sector is dealing with a crisis. I am interested in hearing the Minister's comments on that.

Could the Minister highlight what he believes to be the key successes and weaknesses in the performances concerning 2017? Does he foresee any policy changes with significant financial implications that could affect the 2017 Estimates?