Under the heading "Protecting the Frontline" the programme for Government states:

Education will be a priority for this Government. It will endeavour to protect and enhance the educational experience of children, young people and students. To that end, it will endeavour to protect frontline services in education, and seek efficiencies in work and school practices, in line with the Croke Park Agreement.

In light of this and in light of the education (admission to schools) Bill, why is it that schools across Longford and Westmeath - I have in mind in particular Edgeworthstown, where an autistic unit is being closed down-----

We are straying now.

This is despite the fact that there has been no decrease in the number of students availing of it.

Thank you. We will get that information.

Special needs assistants are being withdrawn. How is this protecting front-line services, as promised in the programme for Government?

We are not debating the Bill now.