Mr. John Kearney:

I believe they feel it is there, but they are also asking for more in terms of a progressive approach and reviewing the quality of teaching and learning for students with special educational needs. In ongoing engagement, particularly that in the past week, the education partners are continually seeking more support and encouragement in terms of what they are endeavouring to do and rightly so.

To get back to the Deputy's specific query on the legislation, by and large the collaborative approach has worked. Some hotspots arise in terms of special classes being opened as quickly as we would like. We are always weighing it up in terms of the pace and the capacity of an individual school allied to the need for special class placement. When I speak to parents, I see the hurt and frustration in their eyes. I know what has to be done and whatever action is taken it is done with a view to delivering on the placement. Whether from the perspective of the NCSE or that of the Department or the Minister, it is a step we would rather avoid but if it is a step that has to be taken with a view to securing places-----