Like other Deputies, I have seen the same situation in my constituency. Bweeng National School in County Cork is losing two SNAs. Those are vital posts. The Minister of State made a statement about all the things the Government is doing. On the ground, these reviews are leading to cuts. A number of schools in Cork city and county are losing SNAs. The Minister of State referred to the progress that the Government is making. The reason we are getting extra SNAs and SETs is that for years there was a shortage. The Government is only playing catch-up. At the same time, the Minister of State telling us how great the Government is. The reason there has been an increase is that previous Governments did not hire enough SNAs. I am deeply concerned about the impact of the current situation. One SNA who contacted me said she loves her school and the children. As a mother herself, she cannot understand why the decision is being made. One parent said to me that there is no inclusion without support. Parents feel let down.

Sentiment score: 0.06

Students from Cork North-Central are attending there because the school has two special classes. I am just letting the Minister of State know that.

Sentiment score: 0.20

This goes back to the Minister of State's point about planning. We welcome extra resources, special classes and special schools. I spoke to a principal yesterday. St. Killian's School wants to build an additional school as it is full to capacity and there is a need for extra places. I know of a child in Cork and we are in February now but he has no school place. How can a child have no school place? I hear about all these announcements but what is happening on the ground is children being left behind. The Minister of State is talking about planning. The principals of the special schools must be included in decision-making, planning and engagement because they are the people who are on the ground and know what is happening. I have a final point in relation to Bweeng. You have children going to special schools and classes all over the county because there are not places where they are from. I take the point made earlier but I am a TD for Cork North-Central and I know of children going to Cork East, Cork North-West and Cork South-Central. They are travelling from Knocknaheeney to Carrigaline and to Macroom. That is what is happening on the ground.

Sentiment score: 0.08