Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Yesterday, Taoiseach and leader of Fianna Fáil, Micheál Martin, unveiled the Government's intention to convert the GPO for the purposes of retail units and office accommodation. This is the Government's shameful plan for the most iconic site of Ireland's struggle for freedom. This is the building outside which Pádraig Pearse in Easter 1916 read aloud the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. This is the building inside of which James Connolly led brave volunteers to fight for Irish Independence. Dublin is the city that fought the British Empire. The Irish revolution broke the most powerful empire on earth at the time, and the GPO was at the epicentre of that rebellion. Our patriots took on the British colonisers and beat them. Nowhere else in the world, in no other country that has fought for its independence, would there be a government so determined to desecrate its hallowed ground. I ask that a stop is put to this cultural and social vandalism.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is not correct, and Sinn Féin does not have a monopoly when it comes to association with the heroes of 1916. Many of us in Fianna Fáil have a strong connection with those people who fought in 1916. The Deputy needs to accurately represent what was stated yesterday. It was stated that the GPO complex will be redeveloped as an ambitious flagship project, as a mixed-use development with a combination of cultural, retail and office components, befitting the national historical and cultural importance of the site. We need to recognise that the GPO is a huge site. I suspect the last thing Pádraig Pearse or James Connolly would want is for us to have it fossilised the way it was back in 1916. It is a vibrant, valuable site in the centre of the city. It represents not only our great history but also the future.

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Each year thousands of young Irish people work in the US on J-1 visas. I have done it myself, a happy summer in Boston many years ago. Generally, it is a very positive experience. However, things have changed drastically under US President Trump with the recent authoritarian announcement that students will have to hand over social media accounts. We are watching a major incursion on freedom of expression unthinkable in a western democracy. This week a young Norwegian tourist was detained by ICE at Newark Airport and sent back to Oslo. Why? He had on his phone a meme depicting Vice President JD Vance as a baby. It is extraordinary that this amusing meme depicting a public person would be used as an excuse to detain a young person for five hours and then deport him back to Oslo. I welcome the Tánaiste's commitment to raise this serious issue with the US ambassador but, as the line Minister for issuing visas, what can Deputy O'Callaghan do to reassure young people here who hope to travel to the US on a J-1 visa but are fearful of this treatment?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is very little I can do about the US immigration system. I am trying to put rules on the Irish immigration system. I cannot control the US immigration system. It is regrettable that these new measures are being introduced by the United States. I welcome the fact that the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach have indicated that they think the measures are inappropriate. We will mention it to the US authorities. Hundreds of thousands - probably millions - of Irish people have a great time on J-1 visas. They are still doing it this year, they have done it in the past and I think it will continue into the future.

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is hugely concerning.

Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government's redress scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes is discriminatory and unjust. That is not my assessment; it is the view of the special advocate for survivors, who has examined the scheme.

In her report, Patricia Carey says the scheme has caused anger and distress, retraumatised some survivors and created a hierarchy of suffering. This is all down to a deliberate decision of the previous Government, of which the Minister was a part, to exclude tens of thousands of survivors from redress. Among those excluded are children who spent less than 180 days in an institution, those who were boarded out or fostered and people in institutions not included in the legislation, among others. The State and religious orders perpetrated horrific human rights abuses against vulnerable women and children for decades. They were detained and abused and used as indentured servants and for medical experiments. Children were stolen from their mothers and sold. There is no justification for refusing redress to so many children who suffered because of the actions of the State.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Thank you, Deputy. Your time is up.

Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Does this Government intend to act on the special advocate's report?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister, Deputy Foley, brought that report to Cabinet yesterday. It is important to note the report also acknowledges the positive and open engagement with Department officials over the past year. Officials in her Department have prepared an initial response to the recommendations alongside a commitment to continue engaging positively with the special advocate in relation to the issues raised. The Minister is engaging with the Attorney General to assess what can be done regarding religious orders that are not making any offer of financial contribution in respect of matters for which they are partly responsible.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I ask Deputies to ask their questions within the one minute allocated to save me talking over them.

Brian Stanley (Laois, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The slaughter in Gaza continues. According to the UN today, more than 500 starving women, men and children have been mowed down by Israeli terrorists while queueing in desperation for food. There is a moral and political responsibility on us to do everything possible to put pressure on the terrorist Israeli state. Two weeks ago, the Government refused to do that by refusing to back the ending of the Central Bank approving the prospectus for the sale of Israeli war bonds. An Taoiseach said that the Central Bank does not approve the bonds but the Governor of the Central Bank, Gabriel Makhlouf, has contradicted this. He said that the Central Bank could decline to approve them if "national restrictive measures" were put in place. In other words, legislation. He said that in his view the law is clear and the Central Bank has to approve the prospectus for them. Does the Minister agree with him? Will the Government now back legislation in this House to stop the prospectus for the sale of Israeli war bonds?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I agree with the Deputy. What is happening in Gaza is reprehensible and shocking. A concern the Government and I have is that because attention is now focused on Israel's war with Iran, it is off Gaza. We cannot allow that to happen. In fairness, no government in Europe has done more than the Irish Government in seeking to advance the protection and cause of the Palestinian people in Gaza. We must recognise that the way we put pressure on Israel is not simply through small pieces of legislation but by trying to bring about a co-ordinated European response, particularly in respect of the EU-Israel trade agreement. We gave a response previously on the proposed legislation. The Government opposed it and voted against it. It would not have been workable. That position has not changed.

Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Garda Tom Flavin was suspended from An Garda Síochána in 2018. He has been cleared of all 22 charges. It took the legal system seven years for a Garda investigation. He has now been reinstated. He had his sergeant exam done before he was suspended. Seven years were lost to a Garda investigation and others are ongoing. How long does it take for the Garda to investigate itself? We did without eight gardaí in Limerick because it took so long. Can this be sped up? When justice gets it wrong, it should have to reinstate people to their sergeancy and all the other things lost out on in the seven years they were investigated.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Garda Tom Flavin was acquitted of all charges against him. It must have been a significant strain on him and his family. It took seven years, which is far too long for a criminal prosecution. Unfortunately, criminal prosecutions can take a lengthy period of time. It is not always the case the delay is a result of the Garda investigation. It goes to the DPP and through the courts, and processes can be delayed. For any person facing a criminal prosecution, there is an entitlement to ensure that is dealt with without delay. We should try to expedite all criminal prosecutions so they can be dealt with more quickly.

Tony McCormack (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In County Offaly and across the country, farmers are increasingly alarmed by the spread of bovine TB, with one in five farms nationally now affected. Given the established role of badgers and deer in transmitting this disease, what specific measures is the Department taking to prevent further outbreaks, particularly in high-incidence areas like Offaly? How can we ensure this does not become a bigger problem for Irish agriculture and a threat to long-term food security?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

At Cabinet yesterday, the Minister for agriculture, Deputy Heydon, gave a detailed and informative account of bovine TB and his strategy to combat it, approved by Government. It is a serious issue from the point of view of Irish agriculture. If it became prevalent or widespread in Ireland, we would have a significant problem. Having listened to the Minister yesterday, he is on top of the issue. A strategy is in place to respond. I will ask him to get back to the Deputy directly.

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The executive and many members of the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, NWRA, were in Dublin two weeks ago to meet Oireachtas Members and present a briefing note on infrastructure, or the lack thereof, in the northern and western region. With the upcoming review of the national development plan, I take this opportunity to press the Government to address the current imbalance of investment in our region and others. In its submission, the NWRA identified 33 infrastructure projects across the nine local authorities that need to be considered in the review of the national development plan. This is about playing catch-up. The facts are clear to be seen. This includes projects such as the Carrick-on-Shannon bypass, the Galway ring road, the N17 Knock to Collooney road scheme, the North-South interconnector, the N15, Sligo harbour regeneration and many others. I urge the Minister for public expenditure to embrace this document before work begins on the review of the national development plan.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy Feighan for bringing this issue forward and the presentation from the NWRA. The north-west region has been identified in the programme for Government as an area that needs further investment. I am sure when it comes to the national development plan, each Minister will seek to advance capital projects in the region.

Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Oireachtas broadcast workers are calling on the Government to end their low-hour contracts and poor working conditions by integrating them into the Civil Service. The team of around 20 manages the live broadcasts of all Dáil, Seanad and committee proceedings, ensuring they are all accessible to the public. However, the team says they are currently paid half the standard industry rate for comparable roles and calls on the Government and Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to take action to ensure they are treated with the fairness and respect they deserve. Despite their vital role, they are paid just €12,000 a year on average, denied permanent contracts and lack job security. Many are forced to rely on social welfare or to seek additional jobs just to survive, especially during recess. This is unfair and unacceptable for workers who serve the public interest. We cannot keep discussing workers' rights when we have not sorted out our own house. This must be addressed as it is essential to how the Oireachtas functions. We have no right to criticise other groups outside the Oireachtas when this House struggles to get it right.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We are aware of the issue regarding the Oireachtas broadcasters. It cannot be an easy job. As a party, Fianna Fáil supports what they seek. We have written to the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission. It is ultimately a matter for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to respond to these issues. I believe the commission will engage with them. I thank the Deputy for raising this issue.

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Since the Minister took office, he has placed a significant focus on increased Garda visibility in Dublin city centre, part of which he represents as a constituency TD. His prioritisation of the city centre seems to be working, and I say "well done" on that, but there is the rest of the country and what about the rest of Dublin? It is not the first time I have raised this issue. Communities outside Dublin city centre like mine, the K district, are crying out for more gardaí to tackle low-level crime and antisocial behaviour and much more serious crime too. No community should be left behind but I fear that is what is happening. We need the new local community safety partnerships. Our colleague, the previous Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, drove the Act through the Oireachtas. It was signed into law by the President in February 2024. The first chairs were announced in October.

1 o’clock

The last joint policing committee in Dublin West was over a year ago, so when will the partnerships be fully established and when will more communities see more gardaí?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy. I agree with her there are more gardaí on the streets of Dublin city centre and it has had a very positive impact. It is not the intention and I hope it is not the effect that gardaí are taken from different areas. I do not think that is the case. The Commissioner has made a decision that a significant number of new recruits coming out will be put in Dublin in the first instance, but others are being transferred to other parts of the country as well. Obviously, all this is dependent on recruiting more people into An Garda Síochána. We had a good recruitment campaign where 6,700 people expressed interest in joining the force. We need to translate that into membership of the force, as the biggest problem gardaí have is their popularity and their success. People want to see them everywhere.

On the community safety partnerships, I will be signing those regulations shortly and I hope that will enable the partnerships to get up and running.

Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I raise again the issue of school secretaries and caretakers. As the Minister knows, they have made a request for full public sector recognition and status. The Minister will agree school secretaries and caretakers play an integral role in the life of the school community and when many of us politicians visit these schools we always recognise secretaries and caretakers and the role they play along with teachers, SNAs, school management and so on. They deserve full status in terms of public service recognition, terms and conditions, pension entitlements, set pay scales and so on. This is a critical issue. It is about recognising the invaluable work they do in schools. I ask the Minister to please take this message back. The Government needs to address this issue and deal with it once and for all.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for raising that issue. I agree school secretaries and caretakers play an absolutely essential and invaluable role in schools. Many of us know schools that simply could not operate without the school secretary or indeed the caretaker. I note the assimilation of school secretaries to a payroll administered by the Department has provided significant benefits where pay and access to leave are concerned. I note what the Deputy stated about the further requests from school secretaries and caretakers and I will raise that with the Minister for education, Deputy McEntee.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I raise the dermatology service in Sligo University Hospital. I was written to by Dr. Dermot McKenna, a consultant dermatologist. He informed us he was taking leave until the middle of July and no locum had been put in place to replace him during the period. It is a service that is under extreme stress. There are over 3,000 patients in the Sligo area waiting for new dermatological appointments. The service in Letterkenny has been closed down and 1,100 from there are being directed to Sligo. The GPs' society in the area also wrote to us to say its members were already under much stress for the past 20 years and that from their perspective the situation is very hard to fathom. They are simply asking for an adequate, workable dermatology service to be put in place for urgent cases and for routine cases to be seen in a timely fashion in the area. It is a serious problem.

I have raised how the pain management department in Sligo is also under pressure and we have had issues with other services. We have no hip or knee operations happening at the hospital.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is under serious pressure and we need action-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister to respond.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----to ensure services are put in place.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy.

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is an example of-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy-----

Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----the north west being left behind again.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, your time is up.

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy Kenny for raising this serious with dermatology and other services in Sligo University Hospital. I will speak with the Minister for Health later this afternoon and get a written response to him. I am not over the detail of that. We will get him a response later today or early tomorrow morning.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

With the news reports of increasing levels of domestic abuse, the family courts are under more pressure than ever. I and others have raised before the need to get rid of the in camera rule. I am aware the Minister is doing something at the end of the year, but this possibly needs to happen more quickly because we still have cases going on where so-called experts are giving section 32 and section 47 reports. Sometimes their word is taken as gospel even though they are being paid. Judges take it as gospel. There is no scrutiny of the decisions being made and that needs to have a light shone on it. As a case in point, someone who was at Naas court yesterday for a protection hearing review got in touch to say she was in the 30s on the list, sat for six hours and was told just before 4 p.m. that she was not going to be seen until next January or February. An 86-year-old man was there for six hours on a church pew. All these people are in various states of anxiety waiting for family court decisions. One woman was there eight times because her ex lives in Naas and she is coming from the North. She has not been seen. It needs to be sorted out.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank Deputy Gogarty. It is correct to point out that when most people access the courts it is probably through the family court system. Most people stay away from the courts and it is only because of circumstances that force them before them because of family law issues that they have to engage with the courts. I have received a report on the in camera rule. I do not think we will be able to completely remove it. It is always going to be the case we are going to have to protect the identity of certain individuals and children before the courts. I want to see a much better environment for the hearing of, and determination of, family court hearings. At present the facilities are not good enough. There is a family law implementation group that is going to seek to implement the statutory policy set out in the Family Law Act. That is doing a lot of work at present.

I hear what the Deputy says about the reports as well. They are contentious and controversial, but we have got to identify some mechanism so the voice of the child can be heard in family law proceedings.

Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to ask about cancer services with specific reference to the NDP review that will be published in July and to make the case for a dedicated funding stream within that for cancer services. I wish to also ask about UHL and especially the cancer care outcomes. UHL has the worst outcomes in the January 2025 NCRI report. This is extremely concerning. There is no PET scanner, which means lung cancer patients are suffering delays of four to six weeks and have to travel for these scans. There is a plan to deliver one within the next five years, but that needs to happen a lot quicker. Currently patients have to travel to the Beacon and to Cork, where there is a four week wait. There is also no cardiothoracic surgeon on site. Patients are sent to St. James's Hospital. There is only one bronchoscopy room and no recovery room for patients post-bronchoscopy, which means it is extremely inefficient. If a recovery room existed four bronchoscopies could be performed in one hour, rather than one as it is now.

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for raising this really important issue of cancer care. While still too high, cancer mortality rates in Ireland are falling faster than the EU average, having fallen by 17% between 2011 and 2021 compared with the EU average of 12%. Five-year survival rates for patients have greatly improved since the first national cancer strategy. They are 65% for patients who received a cancer diagnosis in the period 2014 to 2018 compared with 44% in 1994 to 1998.

The Deputy raised specific issues with cancer services in University Hospital Limerick. I will ask the Department and the Minister's office to come up with a written response and we will get it sent to the Deputy.

Joe Neville (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is a serious issue with the insufficient central funding Kildare County Council gets. Since I started in the Dáil I have raised deficits in Kildare covering a range of issues and especially impacting due to our growing population. These include the lack of gardaí, lack of childcare and even the water infrastructure that seems to be crumbling in our areas. In 2022 the population in Kildare was 246,000. That was a 50% increase in 20 years. We are outpacing the national averages. Despite this growth, Kildare County Council has one of the lowest expenditures per head at 33% lower than the national average. Two of my party colleagues from the council, Councillors Evie Sammon and Tracey O'Dwyer, are sitting up in the Gallery. They know all too well the deficits we have. The knock-on impact has been a lack of services in libraries, fire services, recreation and roads. Unlike nearby county councils we have had to vary our LPT upwards to try to maintain services. I am therefore formally requesting a substantially increased baseline LPT allocation from 2026 so Kildare's capital spend is in line with other local authorities with a similar population.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for raising that issue. I do not have exact detail in respect of the funding for Kildare County Council at present. I will raise it with my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Browne. The Deputy correctly identifies that the population of Kildare is increasing very significantly. Obviously there are significant pressures to ensure public services are available. I will go back and have a look at the figures for gardaí in Kildare, but it is the case there are demands for gardaí everywhere and we just need to get more into the force to ensure every part of the country can have more of them.

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

D’aontaigh Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí suíomh a thabhairt don phobal i nDún Chaoin chun clós súgartha a chruthú ag Ionad an Bhlascaoid sa bhliain 2021.

Tá €40,000 faighte acu. Tá cead pleanála ann. Tá deontas ó NEWKD ach níl an léas sínithe fós. The OPW agreed to give a playground to the community in west Kerry in 2021. There is still no lease signed by its officials. Tá an t-am ag sleamhnú agus gan aon rian den chlós súgartha le feiscint. They have no answer. It is frustrating to deal with the OPW. Even in Ballyduff it agreed to consider a playground for the community there. The Rattoo tower is still open. We cannot even get an answer, never mind a result from them.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an gceist seo atá tábhachtach do mhuintir Chiarraí. I will try to find out what the issue is with that. I do not have the information in respect to it. There certainly should be a playground in west Kerry. I am surprised that there is not. I would have thought there should be one around Dingle. I will raise it with the relevant officials and come back to the Deputy.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Now, Deputy McGreehan, having caught your breath.

Erin McGreehan (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Next December marks 50 years since the Dundalk bombing where five people were murdered and 26 people were injured. In light of this enduring trauma, the anniversary coming up, many unanswered questions and not a semblance of any justice, what actions has the Minister's Department taken for direct engagement with Northern Ireland in relation to this to secure some release of information and some accountability, particularly regarding the long-standing allegations of collusion?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for identifying that the 50th anniversary of the Dundalk bombing is coming up. Regrettably, nobody has been brought to justice for those murders. Technically, it is an ongoing Garda investigation but the reality is that we are going to have to try to get some mechanism to deal with this and others as legacy issues. There are ongoing discussions between the Irish Government and the British Government as to how to best address legacy issues. It is certainly the case that the Dundalk bombing would come within the parameters of the types of events that need to be investigated. I will keep the Deputy apprised of any developments on that.

Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Laya Healthcare provides many different levels of private health insurance. One of my constituents purchased one of its plans at a substantial cost of €1,470 per year. Regarding cancer care, the policy clearly stated that it covers treatment to stop the spread of cancer and, where possible, to remove it entirely. All of the company's schemes have comprehensive cancer cover and best in class approach advertised. Despite all this they refused to cover pembro, as it is commonly known. Pembro is a recommended cancer treatment by the European Medicines Agency and is now part of the comprehensive treatment plan and prescribed by consultants who specialise in cancer treatment. Laya Healthcare, in refusing to cover the cost of pembro, is questioning the European Medicines Agency. Is Laya Healthcare, in its refusal to cover the cost of pembro, mis-selling its schemes by not telling current and potential members that they do not have cover? By doing this, Laya Healthcare is selling comprehensive healthcare products, but when you pay Laya and need a product, it is refused to you, scamming innocent people. Healthcare insurance companies are regulated by the Health Insurance Authority, which is under the Central Bank. How, if properly regulated, has Laya been allowed scam the innocent public?

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister to respond, I am not sure in which capacity.

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is an upsetting account that the Deputy has had to give about a constituent who has been paying their private healthcare for years and was then told that pembro is not covered. The Health Insurance Act regulations require insurers to require a minimum level of cover to every insured person. Beyond that, in terms of what specific issues are covered or not, that is set out in the agreements entered into between the individual and the healthcare insurer or provider. It is certainly the case that people should look closely. If Laya Healthcare is precluding cover for this, and other entities are providing cover, that is something that should be publicised.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I raise with the Minister the issue of a special school in Bray, County Wicklow. It is Marino special school, which caters for children with complex needs. It is critically overstretched when it comes to its SNA allocation. An exceptional care review was to be conducted on 18 June. That was cancelled on the evening of 16 June by the NCSE and the school was told that care review would happen in the next school year, which is no good to Marino. I was surprised that this is actually happening. Marino special school has never had a review of its care needs. Interestingly, in September 2024, the school made four urgent applications to the NCSE in relation to four students. It never heard back from the NCSE, and another ten similar applications are sitting on a desk, which were to be discussed at the review. Can the Minister please make sure that review happens now, so this school can be equipped with the care and support it needs for the students in the coming school year?

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Deputy for raising that. I will speak to the Minister for Education and Youth, Deputy McEntee, and the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, who is responsible for special education needs. I am concerned to hear that Marino special school has not had that review yet. It needs to be given some certainty in terms of where we are now with the new year starting up. I will ask the Minister of State to come back to the Deputy.