Ms Martina Mannion:

I will just add to what Mr. Loftus has said. With regard to managing the opening and coming to fruition of these classes, one of the key things we have done, and which we will continue to do this year, is to sanction the staff for the classes, notwithstanding that the building works and modular accommodation have to be supported. The idea is that the teachers and special needs assistants will be in place, reaching out to the families of the enrolled children and working with them on the transition to the school. It is not a case of the supports following the building. It is all happening in tandem. To give the Deputy some comfort, we have opened 103 special classes at primary level and 46 at post-primary level in Cork over the past three years. A very significant expansion is planned at post-primary level for the coming years on foot of our strategic plan. That engagement with the students and families on the part of the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, ensures that there is not a gap in education for the children, as distinct from a gap in the provision of physical accommodation.