I want to raise the new model of SNA allocations in my constituency of Meath West, at St. Mary's National School, Collinstown, County Westmeath. Twin boys with additional needs will start school in September but at the moment the parents of the boys and the principal of the school do not know if they will have access to SNA support. The principal has spoken to the special educational needs organiser, SENO, as I have.

He cannot make any commitment until the allocation model is realised. One can imagine the stress this is having on the parents who do not know if their boys will have SNA support come September. This is not good enough. It should be a given that these boys would have access to a special needs assistant, SNA, in the same school their older sibling goes to. The happiness and well-being of two young boys are at stake. Will the Tánaiste ask the Minister, Deputy Foley, to release this information immediately to the schools and parents rather than having them waiting in limbo, not knowing what is happening come September?

As the Deputy will be aware, we have more special needs assistants working in our schools than ever before. That is a reflection of the level of need but, also, the level of commitment by Government to making sure children who have additional educational needs get the best chance in life. This matter falls under the responsibility of the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan. I will take it up with her and press on her the need to make sure parents know what the situation will be as soon as possible.