Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. There are a number of issues with the strategic outcome, particularly relating to childcare. Huge sums have been rolled out in respect of the development of the capacities within childcare facilities, whether preschool, afterschool or full childcare. To make sure moneys are spent and capacity is developed, it is important that in every review of the outcomes and of the progress being made, the stumbling blocks and the bureaucracy that has developed must be monitored.

On schools and education, there is huge pressure on the education system to develop in line with an expanding population. As Chair of the disability committee, I see the challenges relating to disability coming in regularly. One of those challenges relates to kids going from primary to post-primary and development of special schools. There are plans within Departments and the Government regarding the development of special schools, and those decisions should be taken early. My understanding is decisions will be taken shortly, but it takes some time between a decision having been made to earmark a community for a special school and its delivery and, therefore, if decisions are being made, they should be made in the short term.

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