Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Minister of State on his appointment. To give him some background, last January, I organised a public meeting for families and children with disabilities. We were specifically told by the NCSE at that stage that there were no plans for a special school in Monaghan. For months thereafter, we were told there was a process to decide the locations of special schools, yet no one could ever outline what the process involved or any of the criteria that would apply. Finally, in the mouth of a general election, an announcement was made. It is clear that the process and the criteria came down to political pressure.

The Minister of State has stated that the special school will initially admit 18 students. Can he clarify how many applications were received on the deadline last week? It is critically important the Minister of State gives us an assurance now that families will not have to start campaigning again before the new school is even open to ensure sufficient capacity at that school.

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