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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Special school places in Cork

Summary

Deputy Gould sought confirmation of a new special school in Carrignavar and whether it would open in September for children without places. The Taoiseach said the Minister of State had met schools, parents and the ETB and was working to resolve the issue before September.

There are approximately 100 children with additional needs in Cork who do not have a school place this September. Their parents are putting up a Trojan campaign to force the Government to provide their children with a place. There are rumours that there will be an announcement this week about a new special school in Carrignavar. Will the Taoiseach confirm if that will be announced this week? Will it be open in September? Have the issues with water affecting the Carrignavar area been sorted out? I spoke to a mother before I came into the Chamber who is at her wits' end because her child has no school place. Children from Knocknaheeny are going to Macroom, children from Farranree are going to Carrigaline and another 100 children have nowhere to go. Every child is entitled to an education. Will the Taoiseach let those parents know that every child will have a place in September?

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I pay tribute to the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, who has spent a lot of time over the past number of days meeting parents and schools-----

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He has not met them.

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John McGuinness An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Deputy Gould.

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The Deputy asked a question.

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John McGuinness An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Allow the Taoiseach to answer.

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People need to learn.

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John McGuinness An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Deputy Kelly, please.

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All I want to say is the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, met schools, the ETB and parents. He is fully on top of this issue. He realises the challenges. He is fully determined, along with me and the Government, to get this issue resolved for parents before September.

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