Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. Obviously, I want to be associated with the words of appreciation for the former Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, who was so hard-working and diligent within our Department. She was great to work with. We welcome the incoming Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, and I met her this morning so we have set the ball rolling.

I totally agree with the Senator that hot school meals are transformative. There is an ambitious plan by the Government that they will be rolled out to all schools by 2030. The free school books scheme has been very favourably received at primary school level. It will be at junior cycle as well from September.

In terms of the special education teachers, to be clear, and I know the Senator has a great understanding of this issue because she has referenced it, the model that previously existed had been there since 2017. Certain issues were being flagged, particularly by those on the ground in terms of the schools. It was primarily that the entirety of the school profile was not being taken into consideration. It is now. The Senator referenced years two, four and six but the school profile is actually being taken into consideration.