Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)

Many rural schools have come to us that have room and capacity. A total of 80% of the special classes that we have opened this year have been opened in existing facilities while 20% of them were modular or had to be added on to. We are trying to match the location of the school with the need within the community. In the first instance, we get the figures from families who would have indicated a need, and then we work back to see where we can best place those. Some rural schools have come forward looking for special classes but if there is need within that community, we certainly engage fully with those schools to make sure we are opening special classes within it.

The question the Senator asked is fundamental because we want to have education within every community. We are spending a huge amount of money on school transport and transporting children in and out of their communities. We are trying to make sure we have it within the communities. However, if specific schools have expressed an interest in opening a special class, it is hugely important they are in contact with the NCSE over the next number of weeks. We certainly will be working with them if there is need within that community. There are grants available up to €100,000 for existing buildings to be repurposed for the purpose of a special class. We have funding in place but it is to ensure that we are opening the class where the need is.