Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I highlight again the case of 26 students in Limerick who have not received a school place for September. Yesterday, 21 February, was D-day for them because students had the right to change their mind and refuse or accept a school place. The Minister and Department must engage with these students. While I accept the Minister has been engaging with Limerick Education Centre and Tusla, there is no direct communication with the families of these children. It is a very stressful time for the 26 children in questions, their families and the schools concerned. Some of them have received 11 rejection letters. That is the way the system works in Limerick so someone who applies to 11 schools can receive 11 rejection letters. My heart goes out to the 26 children. The Minister must make direct contact with these 26 families. While the message is going to the education centre and to Tusla, it is not going directly to the students. They are in limbo. This issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible.