John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Northern Ireland Minister for Education, Ms Ruane, was made aware of the decision. I reiterate the Government's commitment to education by way of its €1 billion investment this year in support of children with special needs. I am not in a position to state the length of the pause or what will be its impact. However, the matter raised by the Deputy is being prioritised within the Department, as has been made clear.

It is important to state on the record that the Minister meets regularly with his opposite number in the North to discuss a wide ranging agenda consisting in the main of special educational needs, educational under-achievement, teacher mobility and so on. The Government is committed to providing the best it can given the scarce resources available.

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