I wish to raise the issue of special classes in east Cork area with the Tánaiste and the Government. We need to see further provision for huge backlogs, particularly in the Youghal area. Is this something the Government can commit to looking into, considering the deficit of these services in east Cork, which unfortunately is one of the worst performing regions in the country? I met parents in Pobalscoil na Tríonóide recently with Deputy Quaide of the Social Democrats, and their anxiety and frustrations in this regard are enormous. Can the Tánaiste look into this matter to see if we could get extra provision in this relevant area?

I thank Deputy O'Connor and I will absolutely bring this issue directly, as I know he has, to both the Minister for Education and the Minister of State with responsibility for special education. I will ask them to come back to the Deputy through the NCSE regarding Youghal and how we can increase capacity in east Cork.

In both the Deputy's constituency and many other constituencies, people are working cross-party to try to make progress on this important issue. We will engage constructively with everyone on this and there is significant additional funding and capacity coming on stream. Timeliness is important, however, and I will ask the Minister for Education to come directly back to him on that.