Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely. That school leaver piece is very important to me and the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman. More than €18 million has been secured for it. Not only that but we are also looking at when the transition planning needs to start. I do not believe that the final year is the right year to do it. I have seen what has been done in Cumas in Wexford this year through the ability programme under the Minister, Deputy Humphreys. Four social workers were involved in it. It ensured that we started planning for the school leavers in transition year. There was a proper placement, and the family and the individual could be brought along. Sometimes day services do not need to be engaged and an alternative more suitable pathway can be found for them. That is the transition planning.

Regarding my views on education, normally where there are two Ministers involved, I will step aside and leave it to the two Ministers. The other question was about the Deputy's own area, CHO 9, which is the fastest growing area. I only met with Mellany McLoone and Olive Hanley on Tuesday and they have a plan on how best they can enable having them interviewed and out in the spaces by the start of May. They also have two residential houses to open.

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