Mr. John Kearney:

I will endeavour to answer all the queries the Deputy raised. First, and it has already been referenced by the two previous speakers, parental engagement is essential to this. As an organisation, we want to know all the families who want placements for their young children. The circular last year was a significant improvement in that regard. The strengthened circular even sets out a detailed timeline in respect of the creation and putting in place of special classes. That is, of course, factored in with the NCSE knowing every single parent in the country who wants a placement for their child. Regarding the NCSE raising the profile of the organisation, and the importance and centrality of parents coming to us, we will endeavour to progress that.

As I mentioned earlier, there are approximately 400 special classes sanctioned for the coming year. On the query the Deputy raised, it is 80% in terms of physical infrastructure. With regard to how we work closely with the Department of education, we focus exactly on schools in communities where the infrastructure is available. Some 20% are coming on stream, with additional modular considerations. We work on a weekly basis with the Department. We know the timeline windows in which modular facilities are being delivered. We work directly with the schooling communities on transitional arrangements, and with families supporting the transition itself.

The minute a special class is sanctioned, it triggers the sanction to a school for the recruitment of staff, whether it is teaching or special needs assistant staff. The schools, as the employer of those staff, can commence its own individual recruitment campaign straightaway for that.

Regarding the timelines for schools, classes, special class placements or special school arrangements not going ahead, there are arrangements for every single special class and special school placement.

There are timelines and project lines around that to ensure students are properly supported and in their placements as quickly as possible.

On the final query on Athboy Community School, we are aware of the good work in the school and the commitment and passion of the school leadership, supported by the school board of management, in terms of additional placements being provided. We were working towards students being known to us for 1 February. The students in question were predominantly known after that date. The Deputy mentioned the provision in Meath. There are 17 new primary special classes coming on stream this year and 22 new special classes at post-primary level but more are required. Athboy Community School will be factored in for next year in the context of students already in the school who require support.