Mr. Sé Goulding:

A student in primary school who transitions to post-primary school and qualifies for resource teaching support will be entitled to access that support at second level. As such, students who have access to supports at primary level will continue to have such access at second level. To illustrate this point, we had approximately 1,500 applications in this year's application cycle from the second level sector. In addition, for students who cannot access or have their needs met in a mainstream setting, we have increased the number of special classes in mainstream schools. This year, the number increased from 205 classes nationwide to 254 classes, a rise of almost 25%.

We recognise that an increasing number of students making the transition from primary to post-primary education expect to be educated in their local community and we are making every effort to ensure this can take place.