I have been contacted by a very distraught principal of a primary school in County Wexford. The principal has two vulnerable pupils with complex additional needs. Both pupils received confirmation of a diagnosis after the NCSE portal closed on 1 October. Therefore, the pupils have no formal letters for the special educational needs organiser, SENO. I understand this is a position many principals are finding themselves in. They are asking for a definitive response from the Department and the NCSE and an unequivocal confirmation of whether these pupils meet the criteria for admission to autism special classes. If so, can this confirmation immediately be made so they can proceed with admission plans in a timely, lawful and child-centred manner? If not, will the Department outline how the school is expected to meet the level and complexities of need presented in a mainstream setting? This needs immediate ministerial intervention on the assessment timelines which are beyond the control of families or the schools concerned. These must be addressed, extended and made more flexible.

I thank the Deputy. I am aware from my constituency, and throughout the country, the stress it can put on a parent of a child with special needs in terms of trying to get the child admitted into a school, whether primary or secondary. I understand the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan, dealt with these issues last week. There were reasons deadlines were put in place. It was to give people some level of certainty. However, my understanding is that applications are now being dealt with on a case-by-case basis. I will raise the issue the Deputy has identified with the Minister of State, Deputy Moynihan.