Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)

I absolutely understand the need to forward plan and it is welcome. I have spoken to school principals who say that when this process is up and running properly, it will be a huge help to them, but as the Minister of State said, in the first year of this process, there are clear flaws and gaps in it and, unfortunately, children with additional needs or special needs are falling through those gaps and their parents are absolutely stressed to the eyeballs trying to figure out how they can get their children into a special class or get them the supports they need in education. I am finding the language used in the Minister's replies to parliamentary questions and, indeed, the language in this reply so frustrating. The NCSE say it is important for people who come forward after 1 October to be assured they are not forgotten or excluded from the system and that it will continue to support them. That has not happened. Parents who did not make the 1 October deadline have had no contact from the NCSE or SENOs. The NCSE portal stated guidance would be provided but seven weeks later, there is no update on that website. It is not fair on parents. Many children in my constituency of Wicklow have not been able to apply for a special class in the school in this enrolment period because they did not have that letter of eligibility and they are not going to get the support they need. This is a big problem that has been ignored for far too long. I ask that Deputy O'Sullivan brings that back to the Minister of State. I am seeking a meeting with the Minister of State to go through this with him. It is really important that he understands how this is impacting parents on the ground. This is not just a Wicklow issue. I was raising it on social media, and I had parents coming back to me from counties Kilkenny, Kildare and all over the country saying their children are in a similar situation. It is important that the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, understands the impact this is having.

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