Aisling Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank our guests for being here and for statements. I had a number of questions in mind that I was going to ask. It is quite difficult for me to decide where I stand on this topic because on the one hand, I want every child to go to the school that is geographically closest, where their siblings and neighbours are, and where their little friends in the local GAA club are, and on the other hand, I have had many mothers approach me since my election to say their children with dyslexia do not get the support they need because there are so many kids in their classes or schools with complex needs or autism, meaning those schools are just not able to provide what they need. The ideal is obviously a place for the child in your school, but, on the other hand, there has been an increase in diagnosis over the years. The guests have talked about their ethos since the 1950s but so much has changed since then that I really struggle with the idea of schools that deal with just one cohort. I am aware that is difficult. I could not do the delegates' job in a million years and I am sure it is really difficult. Their schools sound like fabulous places and Aoife is a lucky girl, as are her parents. I am not sure I have a question. I just wanted to say where I am really stuck on this.

I read the circular. I understand it is a matter of the opening discussion. I assume the delegates will engage in the process. Maybe the Minister has engaged with them directly. They might let me know.