I wish to raise the issue of school investment. The Taoiseach will be fairly familiar with east Cork and the problems we have with school places and, in particular, the more than 50 children with special needs who have no school places for September. I seek the Taoiseach's commitment that no child will be left behind when it comes to school places in east Cork or to school transport. I acknowledge the Taoiseach met people from the Cork ETB and some principals some weeks ago, but I want to get a commitment because it is putting immense stress on pupils and parents too.

I met with principals recently. The Deputy's constituency colleagues, Deputies James O'Connor, Stanton and Sherlock, have also raised these issues consistently.

Two issues arise, the first being school enrolment at second level in east Cork because the area is probably the fastest growing in the county. A substantial investment programme, probably one of the largest ever for east Cork, will be delivered by the Government in a number of weeks. It will provide for new schools but, in the meantime, a number of interim projects in existing schools have also to be developed because of all of those schools are at maximum capacity.

On special education, there was good agreement last week whereby we secured an additional 60 places in Cork for children with special needs. I am very conscious of this matter. It is a priority of mine and we need to do more to make sure that, in the future, families will not have to go through lengthy ordeals to secure places for their children.