Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It must seem like a lifetime ago to the Minister when the decisive and courageous decision to shut schools was made at the beginning of this pandemic. We only need to look to neighbouring countries to see the impact that acting early and quickly has had; speed has indeed trumped perfection. The upheaval to the education system, however, has been massive. Who could ever have imagined that an entire year of students will not sit the leaving certificate examinations? However, decisive actions from the Minister and his officials have meant that those students will not be hindered in their further education or in beginning their careers.

I can only imagine the minefield of issues that arose in overcoming the complex administrative and legal obstacles to enable calculated grades. As we lift restrictions during what are traditionally the summer holidays, minds are naturally beginning to shift towards September. Could the Minister provide clarity to students, teachers and parents on plans to reopen schools in September? Also, what support will be made available to children with special needs who do not have the option of availing of any of the three options within the summer support provision? I am working with a constituent who has two children with profound and complex needs. Their special school, Abacas, Kilbarrack, will not open this summer. The HSE has stated it does not have the resources to provide home-based support to their family and the summer camp their children attended last year, Manor Home Care, will not be opening this summer. What support will be available to families in that situation?

I thank the Minister for asking officials to meet me and representatives of Scoil Chrónáin, Rathcoole, during questions here in the Dáil on 10 June to discuss plans on land that is earmarked for an extension for Scoil Chrónáin. Unfortunately, I have not received an update from his Department on that meeting. Could the Minister arrange that a date is agreed for the meeting by the end of this week if possible?

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