Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy mentioned the numbers, as also referred to by other members. We are working extremely hard on this. A figure was given last week but we are well over that this week. I am very conscious, on a human and personal level, that there are families watching this committee meeting tonight who are concerned about where their children will go in September. I am extremely concerned about it. I do not want to give out numbers and have those parents wondering whether their child is in that category.

We are working to ensure we have a pathway for everybody. My Department is working extremely hard with the NCSE to make sure there are places. We acknowledge it is the last week of June. We are working to ensure that, next year, with the 1 February date going back to 1 October, we will have places secure for people in 2025 for the 2026 start. That is the commitment we are giving. We are working extremely hard to find accommodation for everybody for the next school year.