Mr. Seán Ó Foghlú:

The work we are doing on layout will cover ASD units as well. We are conscious that the number of students in an ASD unit is smaller than in a typical classroom and more adults are present. The nature of the protections that will need to be put in place for staff have to be such that they do not come against the interaction between the member of staff and the student. We are conscious that the students in these settings need the most support and have missed out most from the lack of engagement. The stakeholders are together on this. We are all conscious of the need to ensure collectively that the return to schooling enables and enhances their development and learning.