James O'Connor (Cork East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am sorry but I will have to stop Ms Mannion there. Time is limited. We have discussed the issue of SNAs. I appreciate her response. I mentioned gaps in provision. One of the areas affected is east Cork. I do not want to be parochial, but I want to use the area as an example. I am sure other members are aware of similar examples. If parents living in Youghal have a child with significant educational needs for whom mainstream education is not an option and he or she wants to attend one of the special schools, they are faced with having to travel to Cork city or Dungarvan. The journey to Cork city takes 50 minutes with no traffic, and 70 minutes if there is. The journey to Dungarvan takes 30 or 40 minutes. I acknowledge that the provision of transportation to special schools is not entirely within the Department's remit. I understand that the HSE has a role in the provision of these transportation services, and it does not transport children to special schools beyond the county boundary. To me, that is deeply frustrating. It is something that should be looked at.

I will move on, because time is limited. I understand that Mr. Loftus has responsibility in the area of school construction and the building unit. Is that correct?