Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said in response to other Deputies who raised issues regarding the budget, I will be guided to a large degree by many of the issues that are raised directly by Members of the House, including people such as the Deputy. The proportion of new entrants in 2022 who had a disability was 12.5%, whereas the current figure is 13.8%, with a target of 16%, so we are going in the right direction. The Taoiseach, the former Minister, Deputy Harris, was anxious that in respect of PATH 4, in particular, we would make strides in this area. As I said in response to Deputy Stanton, however, it comes with a broader suite of issues than just providing places. I go back to the scenario of children who have entered primary school and receive resources, whether special needs assistants or additional hours outside the classroom, and the same applies to second level. They and their families are very concerned that that cliff edge will not present itself at third level. This is a policy I want to turn my attention to in the months ahead, and suggestions from people such as the Deputy and other Members will be welcomed.

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