It has been a tough enough number of weeks for many families and school communities. I, like other Members of this House, have heard from parents across north Dublin who had serious and understandable concerns that their children would lose essential care and support ar scoil. While I welcome that this matter has been resolved for now, we must do better. There are clear lessons for the Government. It is not acceptable that parents of vulnerable children are left searching for answers online, on social media and listening to the radio about the future of their children's education. Communication from the Department and the NCSE was very poor at times throughout this process. We must try to make sure that does not happen again. That essential trust between an SNA and a child is invaluable for that child. It is built up over time and forms a central part of that child's school experience and broader life formation. While it is essential resources are allocated to where they are needed most, this must be planned in a structured and considered way. I welcome the commitments from the Minister of State and the Minister, Deputy Naughton, to engage directly with the school community on this. They are the people dealing directly with these realities every day. They must be central to any future decisions. We must ensure we get this right for children and families across the country.

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