I thank the Minister of State for taking this Topical Issue matter this morning. This is about a badly-needed special school in our area so that those with additional needs can get the education they deserve. It is also about the needs of Belmayne Educate Together Secondary School. The school has very a committed principal and staff who are trying to achieve the very best for their students. Our time is short and I do not want to pit one school against another. That is not what this is about. This is about finding a compromise solution so that the special school gets under way as soon as possible and the secondary school can plan for its facilities as its enrolment numbers continue to grow.

Sentiment score: 0.31

I thank the Minister of State. It is indicated further on in the written response circulated to Members that there has been engagement with the school. There was a meeting with the school authorities on 25 March. I welcome that and the fact that additional engagement is planned. The concern which Deputy Brabazon set out relates to the long term, and that those students will be there in the long term. Will the Minister of State give a commitment regarding a timeframe for when the additional site will be identified locally in order that parents can have some certainty?

Sentiment score: 0.35