Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My clear belief is that there is a constitutional right for every child to have a school place and an education. I met yesterday with eight Ministers to discuss the establishment of a disability unit within the Department of An Taoiseach. There has been and there will continue to be significant investment in special education, particularly in the context of additional special schools and classes. The number of special classes doubled in the past five years to 3,336. Some 11 new special schools have been established since 2020, with five more planned for 2025 and 2026. That is no consolation to Jay and his family. However, we will do everything we possibly can to get a place for that child for September next and, indeed, places for all the children who are waiting. That will be a very clear focus of the Government, particularly in area of special education, where investment continues and will have to continue.

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