Ms Bernie McNally:

I thank Deputy Brady for his question. I absolutely acknowledge there are families around the country who have concerns. Deputy Brady is from one of the constituencies in which there has been a problem. The country is divided up into 314 school planning areas and the data shows us that the planning has absolutely worked. Of those, there are typically about ten school planning areas every year in which there are problems.

We have nearly 1 million children and young people in schools, of whom the vast majority get a place without a problem. In up to ten school planning areas, however, there can occasionally be a problem, generally for reasons of very accelerated population growth. Part of the problem is not actually that there are not enough places, full stop; it is often just duplication. A significant contributor to it is that parents are applying to a number of different schools. For example, in one area recently, we found that when we eliminated the duplication, there were immediately 50% fewer places than we needed.

There is significant planning. The Deputy is advocating on behalf of his constituents and others across the country. I can absolutely assure that we will provide a school place for every child, be that a child who is attending a mainstream school with full ability or someone who has special educational needs. We will provide a place for them.