Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response. It must be acknowledged that a lot was done in budget 2024. The Taoiseach has made this a priority by appointing the Minister of State to the role and having her in Cabinet. From the perspective of principals, they get frustrated when they hear this is the responsibility of the Department of children or this is the responsibility of the Department of Health. It is about helping young kids with special educational needs in a school. While I understand that, the role the Minister of State has now within Cabinet with the committee that has been set up is to find solutions. What I hear from talking to staff and the principal in Cashel is that staff are overwhelmed and unable to do their jobs. It is extremely difficult for them. All they ask is that decisions be made by Government that are reflective of the needs of the students of today, not of the needs of the students of 30 years ago. If we do that, it will enhance their jobs and roles. They want to give 100% to the 200 plus students in Cashel. They want to provide a service that gives those kids the opportunities to go as far as they can in life. To do that, they need the support of those in government.