83. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Education and Youth her plans to publish the number of children awaiting appropriate school places on a regular basis. [37945/26]

Sentiment score: 0.03

I would like to have a conversation about the Minister's plans to publish information on the number of children awaiting appropriate school places on a regular basis. This would be similar to how the relevant Department issues the homeless figures every month. It is in order to show transparency as to where the Department of education is with regard to being able to tell everybody how many children throughout the country do not have appropriate school places.

Sentiment score: 0.14

I am delighted that there is portal methodology and all of that. It will allow us to get a handle on what the picture is. In the context of children who have not yet got a placement, the question remains as whether the schools involved need new buildings. If they do, how long will that take? Where will the children involved be housed or educated while that is happening? Did the Minister of State have to use his powers under section 37 to ensure that schools open appropriate places? We still do not know what the number is. I could use the power of deduction. I am not great at maths, but it would be really helpful if we knew what that number was. Why did the Minister of State refer to the number who applied as opposed to the number who do not have places? Anecdotally, there are children who do not have appropriate school places. Why are parents applying via the portal? I know they have to notify the Department, but is there a box on that portal that they can tick to indicate that they do not need a place and are fine or do they have to trawl through the whole thing, which creates a lot of difficulty? Would it be better to have a box for them to indicated that they do not need a place and are just letting the Department know their child has an additional need?

Sentiment score: 0.18

It is good to hear that the Minister of State is using section 37A. It is important that all schools take their fair share of caring for children in their communities, particularly in areas where there might be a high number of fee-paying schools. If it is a fee-paying school that is located nearest to a child, the child also needs to be given a place. It is the same with every school. As we move towards a model where the local school is where the child goes, we still have a long way to go to get there. I am glad that the portal is creating options for parents to know what the situation is, because that was the whole plan the Department had. I am glad it is working out. I would obviously like more information, particularly as I am in opposition and am contacted by so many people. If the Department has a handle on this and is able to work with every family, it gives me great solace coming into the summer to know that every family will have a place for their child come September and that if a school building is not ready or there are glitches, there is a plan.

Sentiment score: 0.35