Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin Bay North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am not in any way suggesting that the Minister does not appreciate the severity of the issues at hand. I have shared stories of my time teaching. The stories of people now on the front line are harrowing. We are losing children because of interventions which could take place and which, as has been acknowledged, would make the difference. It is very upsetting and very emotional to speak to principals who say if an intervention had taken place with a child when she was seven, she would not be having the issues she has now at the age of ten. I appeal to the Minister. I know she is having a review. I know that she has to stand over every cent spent by the Department and that there has to be some kind of scientific analysis as to why these allocations are made. There will never be a better investment in these 100 schools because that actually improves the life chances of these children. The school provides the most routine; it is the safest space they ever enter. That is why I will keep making this call until it is delivered upon.

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