Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I recognise there has been a statewide increase of 27% in the provision of places but unfortunately quoting that figure does not reflect the reality on the ground in certain geographic areas and I have provided the Minister with the example of Cork. At present, the closure of two classes in the Cork region is anticipated although I have been unable to confirm why it is proposed to close those classes, which cater for 12 students. Incidentally, that is the exact number of students who will be left without a place in post-primary special classes. While I have been given reasons off the record, I have been unable to confirm them and it would not be right to put them on the record here. Perhaps the Minister can check this out with the school itself, namely, Deerpark Christian Brothers School in Cork city.

The other issue is while I would be first to state the SENOs are active in engaging with the post-primary schools in the Cork area in trying to convince them to open special classes, unfortunately, as I stated in my opening remarks, only one school in Cork city has actually done this, namely, Ursuline secondary school. There appears to be an opt-out clause or position schools can take and despite the evidence stating additional classes are needed, schools are not taking that on board. I do not know the reasons behind this but surely, as Minister for Education and Skills, the Minister can speak to the schools or can make some form of directive. Alternatively, if this is a funding issue, perhaps the Minister can revert and tell me this is why schools are not giving consideration to additional special classes. However, one cannot have a situation whereby in the entire county of Cork, 396 sixth class students are finishing primary school and seek to get into special classes at post-primary level but only 204 places are available. Moreover, this is not to mention the students who may be in special schools at present but who, with the additional help at post-primary level, may be able to transition from special schools into special classes in a mainstream setting. This surely also should be the goal and it should not simply be about trying to maintain thestatus quo. I acknowledge the timeframe is short but I ask the Minister specifically to look into the reason two classes are being lost at Deerpark Christian Brothers School.

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