I thank all the Deputies for their contributions. I reiterate that the Government is deeply conscious of the trauma which has been experienced by all survivors of abuse, including those who were resident in institutions such as industrial schools and reformatories. Nothing can ever make up for the pain and suffering endured by survivors. I would also like to echo the Minister, Deputy Foley’s appreciation for the work and commitment of those survivors who engaged with the Department, particularly the members of the …

I move: That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Education, Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science pursuant to Standing Orders 95(3)( a ) and 181(1).

I move: Tuesday's business shall be Second Stage of the Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 (to commence no earlier than 4.00 p.m. and if not previously concluded, to adjourn after 1 hr 41 mins). Tuesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Petrol and Diesel Excise Rate Increases, selected by Sinn Féin. Wednesday's business shall be: - Supports for Survivors of Residential Institutional Abuse Bill 2024 (Second Stage, resumed, if not previously concluded) (if not previou…

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and giving me the opportunity to set out the importance of the special education teacher allocation in supporting children with special educational needs in mainstream schools. At the outset, it is very important to state that there will be more special education teachers in our schools in September 2024 than ever before - an increase of 1,000 from the 2020-21 school year. This is in addition to a significant reduction in class sizes at primary level over three budgets to t…

I will contact the NCSE about the review process if it is overly onerous and will give it that feedback. There is significant consultation with all the stakeholders - management, teachers, schools - right across the country in order to ensure that this review process is up to date and that every year we get the correct data in order that this is efficient. The reviews coming back from the NCSE are being prioritised and the council is liaising directly with schools that have applied for this review where they feel t…

It is proposed that: The ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 to Standing Orders shall be modified to the following extent, with consequential effect on the time for the adjournment of the Dáil: (i) the following items of business shall not be taken: - Leaders’ Questions pursuant to Standing Order 36; - Order of Business and Questions on Policy or Legislation pursuant to Standing Orders 35 and 35A; - Oral Parliamentary Questions to the Taoiseach pursuant to Standing Order 46(1); and - private mem…

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue and giving me the opportunity to set out the importance of the special education teacher allocation in supporting children with special educational needs, SEN, in mainstream schools. My colleague, Deputy English, has spoken to me about the incredible work being done in Kilbride National School in Kilbride. He has consistently worked to ensure appropriate supports are provided to children and those who need them. It is important to say there will more special education teach…

I thank the Deputy again for raising this issue and for giving me the opportunity to discuss special education teaching allocations and the review process, in which the Kilbride National School in County Meath is currently engaging. The NCSE is reviewing that currently and engaging with the school. It is important to say that. Approximately 97% of all children, including those with special education needs, are educated in mainstream classes. In addition to the increase in SET support that we discussed today, we are…

I move: Tuesday's business shall be: - Motion re Referral to Joint Committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the proposal for Regulations and a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on international protection, asylum and migration (without debate) - Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Bill 2024 (Second Stage) (if not previously concluded, to adjourn either at 5.30 p.m. or after 1 hr 41 mins, whichever is the later) Tuesday's private members' business shall be the Motion re Cance…

No.

No.

Go raibh maith agat.

I thank the Deputy for the question. Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government. It is also a key priority for my Department and for the National Council for Special Education, NCSE. My Department engages intensely with the NCSE on the forward planning of new special classes and additional special school places. This forward planning work is well under way ahead of the 2024-25 school year. This work involves a detailed review of statistical data in res…

As the Deputy stated, in January this year, the NCSE confirmed the need for special classes in that area. The NCSE and the Department are working to identify suitable locations for those classes to ensure the children who require access to this provision can avail of it as soon as possible. Separately, the board of management of the school subsequently submitted a new engineer's condition report to the Department in support of the proposal to knock and rebuild a portion of the school building. My Department's techn…

I thank both Deputies. The NCSE has confirmed the need for special classes in the area, and it is working with Department to identify suitable locations. There are 14 special classes in Ballincollig already. I very much welcome and think it is really positive that the schools want to provide these services for children in the area. We are open to more coming into it, and how that is rolled out is what is being considered at the moment between the Department and the NCSE. They will be reporting back to or consulting…

I thank the Ceann Comhairle. As is outlined in the revised report of the Business Committee and notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders or in the ordinary routine of business as contained in Schedule 3 of Standing Orders, and unless Dáil Éireann shall otherwise order, the following arrangements shall apply in relation to the sittings of Dail Éireann for today and tomorrow: - Leaders’ Questions shall not to be taken today; - There shall be no Order of Business or Questions on Policy or Legislation today; - Oral …

I have a commencement time of 10.30 a.m.

The Taoiseach is not available to take Leader's Questions today because he is speaking to the Prime Minister of the UK. He also has calls with the Northern Ireland First Minister, the deputy First Minister and the President of Ukraine. Tomorrow, he will be in Brussels and Warsaw. He will be back to take Leader's Questions next week.

In relation to the Business Committee, I have endeavoured and will continue to endeavour to work with my colleagues across the House on the scheduling of business. We in government have to set the agenda and the legislation. We have always listened and I will continue to listen to suggestions about other statements or whatever Deputies might want to discuss in future. I look forward to that meeting on Thursday morning, but for today the Taoiseach is not available.

He has-----