Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response. I accept that 15% of the Department's budget is being used in meeting special educational needs. It was heartening to hear the Minister's announcement earlier this week on the allocation of an additional 610 SNAs. While I am delighted that Galway, in particular, will receive an extra allocation of 42 SNAs, I ask the Minister to look at the specific needs of Esker national school. There is no doubt that there is a demand and a pressing need for a permanent post at the school. As I said, there is a need for certainty and clarity. I, therefore, ask the Minister of State to convey to the Minister that this needs to be taken into consideration and borne in mind when introducing a new model for the rolling out of resource teaching posts. We must try to make an impact in an area in which assistance is needed the most.