Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)

We may not necessarily agree on that because I think we need to keep those schools and to open additional schools for others.

I know it is not about moving those children back to mainstream or into mainstream or whatever, but I am concerned they will be lost in the system. I welcome the educational therapy services, and I look forward to them being rolled out further in as many schools as possible.

With regard to DEIS, I thank the Minister for mentioning the school completion programme. My colleagues will be absolutely delighted it was mentioned in the education committee.

On amending the Education Act to bring in under-six-year-olds, that is a very welcome step. I would encourage that supports and resources be given to HSCLs to fully support parents, because it is about supporting parents at that stage. Regarding school transport, there are reports today that one of five car journeys is educational. It costs about €400 a year for families, between fuel and wear and tear. From an environmental perspective, it would be much more sustainable if school transport was rolled out. The Minister mentioned rural areas, but regarding urban areas, I am contacted on a regular basis by people who want to send their children to different schools outside the area because they do not have the parental choice they want. They have to go outside of school and transport. Transport would be fantastic. Linked to that, I am very happy the Minister mentioned parental choices. I was chair of an Educate Together school for a number of years, and I had Private Member's Business on the issue recently. That survey has been promised for the whole of the academic year. Does the Minister have a date for when it will be published?

The last thing, which is easier for me to address at the end, is leaving certificate reform. I am concerned. As a mother of four, with one of my children doing the leaving certificate, I cannot wait for it to be reformed. Having said that, I appreciate what the unions have said. What is the Department doing to work with the unions to make sure that we hear all voices and can move forward with that?