I am aware that the Taoiseach said this morning a memo is going to Cabinet that will call for additional supports for special education. When will we see the details of this proposal? Many schools in my area are waiting for special education supports. Gaelscoil na Camóige, as I have mentioned a few times, has been operating out of prefabs for over 30 years. Currently, the building of the new school alongside the new school for Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcáin is progressing; however, the schools were notified that the ASD classes will not now be built. The ASD expansion was agreed and given the go-ahead in 2024. It is simply common sense for it to go ahead. As we speak, Lucan Community College is holding a meeting. I cannot attend because I am here advocating on its behalf. One of its asks is that the agreed and much-needed special needs unit be provided. This would allow the school to open four special classes and it could be delivered on time if there were political will. St. Kevin's Community College is earmarked to become a 1,000-pupil school but it is not being supported with the appropriate infrastructure. It is still waiting on a much-needed second ASD class and an upgrade to the current one. Several parents of children attending Holy Family National School in Rathcoole have contacted me. Like many schools in my area, it does not receive the appropriate SNA supports. I am really concerned that Sacred Heart School, Sruleen, did not receive a home-school community liaison officer despite demonstrating the need, so I must ask again when we can expect the details of the memo to be published. Will the likes of Lucan Community College, Gaelscoil na Camóige, Gaelscoil Chulain Dolcáin, St. Kevin’s Community College, Holy Family National School and Sacred Heart School be supported on foot of the memo?
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