Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am well aware of the figures but there is a process here. Even the Deputy will accept that. I have been engaging regularly with the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, the NCSE and the local ETB, which I feel will also play an important role in this process. I can tell the Deputy about all of the fine buildings and investment that has gone into Monaghan in terms of education, including the new schools there. Only recently the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, turned the sod on a new Gaelscoil in Castleblayney and met with the parents from SNAP on that occasion. I have met with them, as has the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, who came specially to Monaghan to talk to them. I am meeting them again in the coming weeks.

I am committed to supporting the needs of parents of children with special needs in Monaghan, as are Deputies Niamh Smyth and Brendan Smith and Senators Joe O'Reilly and Robbie Gallagher. We are aware of it and are doing what we can but there is a process here. Deputy McDonald has been down to see them. Deputy Tóibín has been down to see them. Monaghan is a very interesting place. Everyone here wants to come there. We are well aware of what is going on. I can assure the Deputy that I am well capable of representing the people of Cavan and Monaghan.

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