Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This is important because, as the Minister is aware, Saplings and other 15 schools have been affected by huge increases in insurance costs. It is a worry for the parents, the school and the principal. Everyone to whom I have spoken agrees that the group scheme proposal would be the best way to go forward. I would appreciate the Minister's support. I know Saplings special school would appreciate it too. We need to make sure this cannot keep happening. Schools will close if insurance costs keep increasing. It is unacceptable. We need to look forward. I look forward to getting a good result from this. I thank the Minister. I apologise for missing him last week when I raised an issue relating to special needs assistants. The Minister of State, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor, responded to me on that occasion. I have addressed my query regarding special needs assistants to the Minister now and I hope he comes back to me on it.