I was recently contacted by a parent who has twins. They are both autistic and will be starting school in September in the local primary school where they will be part of its autism class. The ratio in the class is one special education teacher to six children, with two special needs assistants, SNAs, in support. Both parents work and they requested that their children be included in the after-school facility nearby which takes children in from the school in question. The after-school facility is willing to take the children in but it is very concerned because it is not sure the facility has sufficient supports to look after these children properly. The ratio in after-school education is one to 12. There are no additional supports for children with additional needs. When children go to preschool, access and inclusion model, AIM, support is provided. When children go to school there is SNA support or if they are in a special class, there is a special education teacher and a reduced ratio, but there is no support in the after-school facilities.

I contacted a number of providers in this area, all of which said the same thing, namely, they want to include more children with additional needs but they are not in a position to do so. To refuse is discrimination but, at the same time, the providers have to ensure the safety of the students who are using the facility, the students with additional needs and the staff. There is also very little training for staff in these centres.

I want to raise and highlight this matter with the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Deputy Foley, because it is a form of discrimination. I ask that we invite the Minister to come to the House to discuss additional supports in after-school facilities for children with additional needs. We know the prevalence of autism in particular is increasing. We will have more and more children who require support after school. Both parents have to work these days because of cost-of-living pressures. I would appreciate it if we could have that debate.

Some weeks ago, I requested that the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, come to the Chamber to discuss the roads funding allocation for County Cavan. Has there been any follow-up on that? Has the Minister agreed to come to the House for a debate on the state of our roads?