Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I very much appreciate the reply. I will send on the letter I received from the principal. One of the major issues is that because of the severe or profound learning disabilities of some of the students, extraordinary pressure is coming on staff. For example, when I was there one pupil required two staff members at all times. The school has a serious challenge in this regard.This pupil travels approximately 30 miles every day. There must be a care assistant with the child at all times and that is where the pressure lies. The school needs an administrative principal that would allow it to better deal with this particular pupil and with others who have profound learning disabilities.

I will pass on the correspondence I have received from the principal to the Minister to assist him in his consideration of this issue. On the next occasion the Minister is in Cork he should visit the facility. The dedication and commitment of the staff there is tremendous and that must be given some recognition.