John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I spoke to the Minister, Deputy McHugh, earlier this afternoon on this and went through a couple of points. He told me that the Department is committed to ensuring that all children in that area can access the education suitable for their needs. I am aware of the powers under the Education (Admissions to Schools) Act. The Minister has stated categorically that there will be a fix in this regard. I am doing my job and I do not want to see any children in that position. It is painful for me to hear that there are children in this situation. However, I urge the Deputies to allow the two meetings to take place. Having spoken to the Minister and departmental officials, I do not believe that they will be just talking shop, but that solutions will be found.

I do not like to say this but I must read the information given to me. The home tuition grant scheme, which is available. The Deputies should not get me wrong, I am not saying that is the solution, nor would I want it to be if it was for my child, but I am obliged to give out that information.

The meeting with the Members will be valuable but the most important meeting will take place on 29 April with the NCSE. I doubt that the NCSE officials will come to that meeting and just talk about how to solve this. I cannot say categorically that it will be solved then but having spoken to the Minister and the officials that we will solve the problem in the Dublin area.

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