Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I was simply reiterating what the law is and that is not to say we do not endeavour, because we do endeavour. It can prove really difficult and challenging. We can see that. I am not the Department myself but the Department is ad idem in what I say with regard to us trying to secure a special school place for a child in his or her own locality, neighbourhood and community. We try to do the same with special classes as well and mainstream classes but it does not always happen. It can be difficult, particularly if it is one child who might need a special school. The Department would look at it from a public purse perspective also. Can it build a school for just one child or will more children need that special school? There are a number of different factors that must be taken into account. As the Minister of State, I certainly will be doing all that I can to ensure that no child is not left, and that every child has the appropriate education.