Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her reply but I am just not convinced from her answer that she fully grasps the scale of the urgency of the issue. The Minister of State highlighted there that there is more of a problem with secondary school places but that does not make any sense. We know how many people are coming through the primary school system so I do not understand how forward planning cannot be done to ensure there are places for those students. Schools need more resources, as does the NCSE given the difficulty in contacting it and the slowness of its replies. I also want to repeat my call for a special school in Cork South-West. Families have come together to form a campaign and seek this in recognition of their children's needs. ASD and other units attached to existing schools are essential and these families have pointed out the need for special services. We are a stage where our awareness of diverse needs and the State's obligations mean that all areas of the country need units in schools and special schools to offer tailored supports. What is the Minister of State's message to the campaigners for a special school in Cork South-West?

See this speech in context