Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)

The point in the circular is to try to make sure we have appropriate places for children. We have come across some cases in which, because of the admissions policies in some schools, children are travelling long distances to get to a school with the appropriate admissions policy. It is not in any way to take from the needs of the children. On the language around the complex needs of children, we need to be very careful to make sure we accommodate children in the best way possible. On enrolment policy, we are trying to make sure children get access to special schools as close as possible to their own areas. The placement of any child in a special school at the moment is sacrosanct but we are also trying to mainstream. The evidence we have seen - I speak from a good bit of experience - is that special classes or mainstream have benefited children who would have started out on a different course. The purpose of the circular is to reach out and make sure the education system and school policies are best suited to ensure we provide the best possible education for children and not have them in unsuitable places.