Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions
Dail Éireann — 2026-02-25
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Eoghan Kenny (LAB), Cork North-Central

I do not need lectures from the Taoiseach on the role of an SNA. I know what they are about. I said at the beginning that I welcome the development of SNAs. I did not need the figures. I know the figures and I welcome them. As a State, we have to accept the reality. The level of resources did not keep up with the level of need. That is the reality.
We were able to get €19 million overnight. Was it penny-pinching all along? Was it the Taoiseach's deputy leader, Deputy Chambers, keeping the money away from the Department of education? How were we able to get €19 million overnight?
Will every single child who is entitled to a special class be given a place in a special class for the next academic year? My understanding is that the level of applicants means we now require 600 special classes. We have funding for 400 special classes. Will the Taoiseach put it on the record that every single child who is entitled to and needs a special class will be given a place?

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-02-25/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:41+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-25