Michael Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)

The aim is to have the special classes in communities. In recent years, a massive number of special classes have been opened across the country. However, there are still gaps in the system. There are still parts of urban and rural Ireland that do not have special classes in primary or post-primary schools. The Department is conscious of making sure those gaps are filled. I take that point. However, we have to be careful and be mindful of all sides in the argument, including those who are travelling. In a special school, because of the diagnosis or complexity of need, you may see someone leaving home at 7.15 a.m. and not getting back until 4 p.m. We have to challenge ourselves to find a better system for that child. That child would probably have profound needs. There is a bit of work to be done on it. I cannot stress enough how the departmental officials and the NCSE are meticulously working to try to ensure what the Cathaoirleach is talking about is avoided. It will be avoided if we can create more special classes across communities in remote rural places and urban places.