It is fair to say that we will be seeing continuity in Israel's pattern of behaviour. It is not surprising for an entity that engages in genocidal action. The shooting at Irish peacekeepers and diplomats was an absolute disgrace. We know the actions we need to take, whether it is the occupied territories Bill and the inclusion of services. I agree with the Tánaiste that the Commission needs to take action regarding the EU-Israel association agreement. All I can say is that it is a disgrace. We also have to find a way to ensure we are not facilitating the sale of Israeli war bonds by whatever means possible. I have two questions. One of them relates to Seán Rooney. We have to do right by peacekeepers and make sure we do everything for them. I know there is a case at this point. The Tánaiste will not be shocked at the question I am going to ask now regarding Michael McNeela, who lost his life in Lebanon in 1989. His mother received the pension but when she died, his father, John, did not. I have spoken to the Tánaiste about it before. It is something that needs to be resolved. Discussions between the Tánaiste's Department and the Department of Social Protection were meant to take place about finding an interim solution, but the legislation needs to change.

Sentiment score: 0.01

80. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will outline any progress made recently in the case of a Defence Forces member who was killed on UN duty in Lebanon (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31241/25]

Sentiment score: -0.07

I raised earlier the issue of Seán Rooney. We know there is a legal case at this point. We have had many interactions on this and I think there is agreement across the House that we need to seek justice for Seán Rooney and his family. We also need to make sure that, through all the processes, what is learned is carried forward such that the absolute best protocols are carried out in the context of our Defence Forces. On a question completely unrelated to the triple lock, it also means that at times we probably need to have straight conversations with the UN about its responsibility, even in providing information. I ask the Tánaiste to give an update on the Government's interactions in trying to seek that justice and making sure all is done for Seán Rooney.

Sentiment score: 0.43

I welcome what the Tánaiste has said. I agree that heaven and earth needs to be moved to get justice for the family. I accept that we are now out of time and that I will get a written answer. I will follow up on this issue. I also ask the Tánaiste that we resolve the issue regarding John McNeela and the payment on the basis of Michael McNeela's sacrifice. That is the only right thing to do.

Sentiment score: 0.35

94. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Education and Youth the work being done to ensure appropriate primary and secondary school placements for all children for the 2025-26 academic year; if this work includes updating of admissions policies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31242/25]

Sentiment score: 0.13

What work has been done to ensure appropriate primary and secondary school placements for all children? We know about the issue that has existed in regard to those with special needs. Can we ensure that everything is in place for the academic year 2025-26? We know the constant problems there have been, with parents having been put through the mincer, for want of a better term. We need to ensure we are looking after all our citizens properly.

Sentiment score: 0.34

Some of the complaints have been that in many cases, particularly when we are talking about secondary schools, we are aware of the children who are in primary school and coming into that age bracket. It is about making sure everybody is talking to everybody else to ensure the NCSE, the schools and the Department have the information. I agree that action did need to happen on school admissions policies. I have proposed legislation in respect of the fact that for kids with additional needs, there should be a two-year run-in. I know changes have happened. A two-year run-in would allow the school to prepare whatever resources are required and we would actually have those places on hand. That is an absolute necessity. I am grateful that the Minister of State came back to me on Shelagh national school. It is a matter of making sure the second unit is put in place. We have to look again at school-based therapies. Is there a possibility of any timeline for this in respect of special schools, schools with units and then mainstream?

Sentiment score: 0.29

I welcome the answer but I agree with the Minister of State that more work needs to be done. We are still being contacted by those who do not have places for next year. We need those cases sorted as soon as possible. It is not right. I would appreciate if the Minister of State could come back to me in writing with some more detail on the timeline for school-based therapies. I will be pushing this. On the common application system, it needs not to be a common application system from the point of view of failure. It has to be about delivery. We know the issues that exist. I do not know if it is the Minister of State or the Minister, Deputy McEntee, who would need to deal with that but it is very hard not to deal with the issue. Deputy Dolan spoke about the INTO and the necessity for SENCOs. I agree with him on that. The INTO has also spoken about the fact that the capitation funding is not cutting the mustard. We heard what the CPSMA said today along with the principals of Scoil Aonghusa , St. Joseph's CBS, Tullyallen NS and Scoil Naomh Feichín, all in Louth. Deputy Joanna Byrne has dealt with some of those issues previously. We are talking about schools that are almost running into the ground because they do not have funding. This is not funding for the extras; it is to keep the show on the road. It needs to be addressed.

Sentiment score: 0.04