8. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Taoiseach for an update on the programme for Government. [3648/26]

Sentiment score: 0.00

In the programme for Government there is a commitment to increase the number of special schools and special classes across the State to ensure children can go to school in their local communities. At this point in time, hundreds of children across the State are not being considered for a special class or special school place, despite the fact that they have all of the paperwork in order, because they missed the 1 October deadline for the National Council for Special Education, NCSE. I am dealing with three principals in a special school and two in mainstream who have identified children for school places. They have the perfect places for these children, but they have been told by the SENO that under no circumstances are they to offer children those places because they do not have a letter of eligibility from the NCSE. It is a major issue. What does the Taoiseach have to say to those children?

Sentiment score: 0.32