Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister of State. While considerable work has been done as she said, much more work needs to be done. The consultation indicates that the growth in demand for placement in special classes will continue. While I welcome that and I welcome the amount of work that has been done, how can the model change while keeping up with the demand? How can it be ensured that children with special educational needs are appropriately supported?

Many support services, such as NEPS, are under-resourced and temporary measures are often insufficient. Does the Department have any initiatives or plans to ensure appropriate resourcing of support services?

The Minister of State referred to the EPSEN Act. It was really welcome that there were more than 28,000 online submissions. I ask the Minister of State to give us a bit more information on the timeframe and the tasks remaining on this.

An issue that comes up in my area of Carlow-Kilkenny is the lack of opportunities when finishing school where children with disabilities are not offered an opportunity to attend further training or further learning. Children are leaving school at 18 years of age and may remain in a day service for up to 40 years. We need to make sure we have the proper facilities there. Concerns have been expressed over teachers not being trained adequately. There is a risk of regression for individuals with disabilities. The Minister of State will be very much aware of school transport and while I know it is not within her remit, it remains part of the issue. The barriers for drawing down from the Department have been a huge issue for me.

Money must be ring-fenced in budget 2025. We need to have the money there for the services.

The Minister of State spoke about the schools summer programme. I am glad that she has made big changes there. I recently spoke to her about the funding for that and the pay for teachers involved. I ask her to come back to me on that.

Overall, I believe a lot of good work has been done but in many areas, more funding, information and communication is needed. We are dealing with very vulnerable people here. If they want to stay in education, get special training or whatever, it is important for them and their families that we give them that option.