Mr. John Kearney:

I assure the Deputy that we have a complete overview in terms of the need, as such. Last year, we identified that close to 400 special classes were required at primary and post-primary levels. We offered a placement to every child in terms of the 253 special classes that were opened at primary level and the 146 at post-primary level. For this year, in terms of the budget submission, at primary level we projected 253 classes, with 146 at post-primary level. We are working towards them and 271 have actually been confirmed. On a weekly basis, we are progressing ten to 15 of those classes with a view to reaching that conclusive point.

There has been phenomenal growth in the number of special classes at post-primary level. That has been very much duplicated - magnified, in fact - in the significant increase at primary level from 2011 to recently.