Ms Teresa Griffin:

As stated, I think there are a number of reasons. We had a look at almost every school in south County Dublin, and the reasons can vary. Many schools just do not have the space and are using every classroom they have for classroom purposes. Other schools have no space outside on which to build. We have been working with many schools and getting some engagement on opening special classes, but there is a shortfall of in the region of eight classes in south County Dublin. The main reasons concern accommodation. Some schools would prefer upfront training for their staff. That can be provided, and we have explained that. That is what we did in Dublin 15 last year. It is, however, fundamentally a matter of a lack of space in the classes and the fact that schools are not automatically provided with rooms for special classes as they are built.