I have been contacted by deeply concerned parents who are waiting for a letter of eligibility from the National Council on Special Education post the 1 October parent notify deadline. As a result, these children are without access to a special class. Families are living in limbo. The stress and anxiety this is causing them are immense. These children need stability and access to education in an environment that meets their needs and their parents urgently need clarity and reassurance. I understand NCSE staff are awaiting further direction from NCSE senior management. Can the House be updated on when this directive will be issued and parents will be given peace of mind and certainty?

I am pleased Deputy Brabazon raised this matter. It is an issue that is coming up quite a lot. The Department and the NCSE tried to do something good here, which was to get ahead of things earlier this year through better planning and the like. As is often the case, however, other things happen and, through no fault of their own, not all parents were in a position to apply. Something that was about trying to facilitate earlier sanctioning of classes has obviously posed a challenge.

The NCSE has advised the Department of an increasing number of children and young people who have come to its attention since that timeline. The Department has now worked with the NCSE on proposals to address the needs of those children. The Department confirms that the NCSE is now in a position to issue letters of eligibility to children and young people who have made contact with it after 1 October and who meet the criteria for a special class or special school placement. The NCSE is commencing this process this week.