Ms Martina Mannion:

The Department became aware of this matter as a result of the "Prime Time" programme on 25 March. We issued a press statement at the time. I reiterate that the focus of the Department, in its management of litigation over the past 20 years and more, has been on ensuring children with special educational needs had access to the appropriate provision. The best defence of litigation proceedings was ensuring the children had access to appropriate educational placements and provision to meet their needs. That has been the entire focus of the Department's work.