Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I want to ask the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, about that very important point made by Deputy Ó Ríordáin before me on the research required to determine the effects of long-term absence from classrooms for children with additional needs. When does the Minister of State expect that such a report will be provided to her? When might it be provided to us as a committee so we can try to assist her in implementing it?

I acknowledge the €2 billion in additional budget that has been provided to the Department. Of course, I really believe that we should have our special education teachers back in the classroom at the moment. While only half of the students have returned, I accept that has presented profound difficulty for students and parents. I cannot help but feel, however, there are, perhaps, at this moment, unknown problems which will no doubt manifest themselves very soon within the education sector. Does the Minister of State have a comment on that?

I have one final point to make.