Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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As a former Minister for Education and Skills, I take Deputy McHugh's contribution seriously, as I do with all members of the committee. I note his experience in the area. In Donegal there are 94 special classes and two special schools.

I have responsibility under the derogation order from the Minister for Education, Deputy Foley, for special education. It is not the first time I have heard such comments about the numbers in a special class and there are different views on both sides. It is something we could consider although we would not be able to sign off on anything without the collaboration of stakeholders and unions around that, along with the school community itself. We could ask the principals' forum if it is something they feel they could provide. In a case where there are three children looking to enter a special class in circumstances where such places are available but it would not be properly sanctioned until there are six in the class, it must be looked at. I have also heard from some people they would like more pupils per class, such as eight or ten. That could also cause difficulties. It is worth exploring the option of allowing a class to go ahead where there are smaller numbers or with larger numbers if there are extra supports.