Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)

The Taoiseach gave some figures. Of course there are some good news stories throughout the country. I have visited schools that have superb facilities. I acknowledge that. There are some new builds that are really impressive. As the Taoiseach stated, however, there are still immense challenges. In the Dublin area, there are immense challenges. The Taoiseach referred to growth and expansion. There is not sufficient growth or expansion to meet the growing demand and needs that exist. I will provide some figures. Some 14,221 children are overdue assessments of need. Nearly 13,000 are awaiting first contact with a children's disability network team. Last September, shamefully, 126 children with special educational needs were not given school places. The delay in accessing and securing appropriate places caused immense frustration and distress for those children and their parents, many of whom we have met. We in the Labour Party have put forward a set of nine clear asks in our motion for tomorrow. I ask that they be taken on board. We are calling on the Government to adopt a plan that will provide parents and, crucially, children, with clarity and appropriate school places.

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