Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Byrne very much for raising this issue. I know this is a priority for both the Minister, Deputy McEntee, and the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan. They tell me that 178,945 tickets have been issued to children and young people for this school year, including 23,300 children and young people with special educational needs. That is an increase of 3%. However, that is no use to the child Deputy Byrne references if she is still waiting for this service. I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, and the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to directly engage with the Deputy on the matter to see if anything more can be done to assist the family. I will ask them to get back directly to the Deputy.

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