Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the news received from the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy McHugh, that agreement has been reached in principle regarding a site for the replacement of St. Vincent's special school in Lisnagry in Limerick. The school serves children with profound educational difficulties, as well as children who are on the autism spectrum. I attended a Dóchas meeting recently at which parents expressed their concern that there were not enough school places. I call on the Minister for Education and Skills to come into this House for a discussion regarding school places in the area of special needs and autism. Parents are facing issues in this regard and their questions are not being answered satisfactorily. It is, however, most welcome news that agreement has been reached in principle on a new site with the landowner and the school. It is also good news that the application for planning permission can run in parallel with the purchase of the site. It is great news for Limerick and the mid-west.