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

The Deputy mentioned someone waiting for an ASD class. Since I was appointed just over four weeks ago, we have had considerable engagement with senior officials in the Department and the National Council for Special Education to ensure sufficient places for children with additional needs come September. We have moved the discussion back from one later in the year. Our aim is to move it back further to have certainly for all children, particularly those with additional needs. Families are under enough pressure. I am working with the officials in the Department, and I feel very strongly about this matter. Like every other Deputy, I have met the parents and know the challenges and issues that exist.

On school places, we understand that huge population growth is taking place in Fingal West. We also know there are issues with getting school places. The important thing is that the parents continue to engage with the school authorities. The Department is constantly monitoring where the pressures are to try to address this. It is a fact that the Department, together with school communities the length and breadth of the country, is going to work might and main to ensure every child has a proper place, be it at primary or secondary level, come September. The information needs to be with parents and children much earlier in the school cycle.

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