8. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation the position regarding the national public procurement strategy review and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69083/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

I thank the Minister of State. I acknowledge the commitment in the programme for Government, which is very welcome. In order for public procurement to be effective, it needs to have the confidence of the people. The transparency committed to in the programme for Government is really important in that regard. Unfortunately, we are all aware of a number of projects that appeared to have lacked that transparency. I will not mention any projects on the Leinster House campus but even in my local authority area, there has recently been a bit of controversy around steps in Deer Park in Mount Merrion. The danger with that is that people feel public procurement is not effective or fair, which compromises the entire system. The most important thing in the commitment in the programme for Government is the greater involvement of SMEs. Public procurement has become hugely complex and hugely cumbersome and more and more difficult for small businesses to get involved in because of the rules around it. Will the Minister of State address what specific elements may be in the strategy to make it more accessible and easier for SMEs to get involved in public procurement contracts?

Sentiment score: 0.21

I acknowledge that as well. I know the Minister of State and his predecessor are committed to making it easier. Is there a way in which we can reduce the bureaucratic burden that comes with some of this because, as important as public procurement processes are, particularly when it comes to ensuring value for money for the taxpayer and cutting down on waste, from what I have been told by businesses in my constituency in particular, there is a wasteful burden on them from the point of view of engaging with procurement processes? Is there a way in which we can reduce that burden on them while maintaining transparency and safeguards that ensure public money is spent correctly? Is there a way in which we can tell small businesses that there is a route for them into this that is less bureaucratic and cumbersome and more streamlined and, therefore, allows businesses to get on with what they do rather than filling out forms, and instead of trying to justify a process, we let them get on with the business of providing whatever service, construction or so on they provide?

Sentiment score: 0.16

95. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Education and Youth the position regarding the provision of SEN places in a school (details supplied); if she is conscious of the shortage of places in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68320/25]

Sentiment score: -0.08

My question is about special educational needs places and, specifically, the provision of them in St. Anne's National School on Stonebridge Road in Shankill.

Sentiment score: 0.40

I thank the Minister of State. I do not want to downgrade the level of investment in, and commitment to, this issue the Government has shown. I acknowledge his reference to the progress made in this area. However, all the announcements and good work will not benefit the children who do not have a place. I was contacted by the family of a young boy who does not have a place in St. Anne's National School in Shankill and has been told he will not have one next September. We know the value of special educational needs classes. They stop from falling behind those children who can keep up with a little extra accommodation and assistance. Such provision is hugely important and not providing it is myopic in the context of the damage it does to children's long-term educational prospects. What do I say to the parents in Shankill I mentioned, who are now facing a situation where their son will not have a place in September? What can be done for them to ensure he gets the assistance he needs in the next academic year of 2026-27? What do I tell them they can do to move things along? They should not have to ring around every school in the area. There is no central point from which they can obtain that information.

Sentiment score: 0.12

I acknowledge what the Minister of State said. Am I to take it I may now say to the parents I mentioned that the fact they have been told their son will not have a place in September is not definitive? There is still work going on and I should tell them to continue to engage. There is a review continuing into special educational needs places in Shankill and there is still the possibility of a place for their son. We all recognise the importance of securing a place for that family and the impact it will have on them and on that child's growth and potential. I agree with everything the Minister of State said. Investment in this area is vital. These parents have been told a place will not be available but I understand from what he said that this is still under review and may change.

Sentiment score: 0.27