Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

In Carignavar in Cork, alterations are being made to an older school building to facilitate a new special school. In the interim, the Gaelscoil, which is no longer in use, is being used as an alternative location until the building is complete. It will be completed before the end of the year. That is my understanding. That is what I referred to in response to the Deputy. I reiterate that five new special schools are being established.

It is our aim that no child will be without an appropriate place by September. That is what we want to do. We are going to work might and main to make sure that becomes the reality. We will work with parents, schools and the NCSE to attend to those children who do not yet have definite clarity in terms of school places. We want every child to have a school place by September. The Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, along with the NCSE, met recently with parents and advocates from the Equality in Education campaign in order to address a number of key issues. I understand parents have been kept updated on available places for the year ahead. The whole objective is to help parents to secure the right place for their child as quickly as possible.

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