Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)

I will take the time. There is probably ten minutes. I thank the Minister of State for being here. There is €455 million for demand-led services and staff in particular. Is that usual? Does it say something about our projections and how children are tracked across maternity services on to preschool and starting school? I accept people are coming into the country. It seems a significant piece in and of itself. Related to that is the special education piece. How does the Department budget for how many kids are going to be in special classes and special school places next year? How does that relate to the October deadline?

I ask the Minister of State to address the concern among a lot of parents that, having missed the October deadline, there will not be a place for their child in a special class or special school next year. The NCSE is saying it cannot issue letters of eligibility because the parents have missed the 1 October deadline. How does the Department budget for that for September 2026? Many of these parents now have recommendations for a special class or school place. If they do get the place their child needs, there will be a different allocation for special education teachers and special needs assistants. Will the Minister of State speak to that?