Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are almost 3,000 special classes in the system now, which is quite phenomenal given where we were at three years ago. There are 68 special classes in Clare. Seven are new classes for the 2023-24 school year, five in primary and two in post-primary. It is not always true that six are needed to form the class but if there is capacity in the school next door the general suggestion is to fill one class. It is six students, one teacher and two SNAs. It is a very reduced ratio, as is right and proper. If there is no special class in the area and there are four or five students, then there will be a special class.