Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I genuinely thank the Deputy. It is important that we are able to raise matters as important as this here today. The EPSEN Act review group met yesterday evening. The group will commence its work on this and will report to the Minister within a matter of months. The Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, will keep the House advised on that.

On the specific numbers, the number of children who require supports is recorded on a regional basis and a per-county basis. We could provide the Deputy with a figure today. However, today's figure will change tomorrow. It is important that we have the supports in place to make sure that kids are not waiting any longer than they need to to get the supports that they require and deserve. Going back to what I have said previously, looking back over the last 15 years and the improvements made in the mainstreaming of special education both at primary and secondary levels, we have made vast strides in that space and we continue to do so. It is a real priority within the Government's objectives on education.

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