Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Government and Minister for Finance made it clear at the publication of the end of February returns that the Government would make decisions at its meeting at the end of March and whatever legislative arrangements need to be made beyond that date can then take place. The political decisions will be taken after full consideration by Government in the next few weeks to deal with the current financial situation as it emerges.

On the question about children who have been in special classes, there is an educational view to be considered. I understand the concerns of parents. In many cases these special classes had fewer children per teacher, less than the ratio of 11 to one per teacher. The idea is to group classes at local level to achieve the ratio of 11 to one. I wish to clarify that this proposal does not affect severely handicapped children as it relates only to those with mild to moderate learning difficulties. There is a strong educational view that interaction in the mainstream classroom is helpful, in addition to any special or particular individual support they will receive. Support teachers and staff are in the schools to assist in mainstream classrooms and this was not a feature ten or 15 years ago.

I am aware this issue has arisen. The Minister has indicated the thinking behind the proposal. The purpose is to ensure those children will obtain the care and attention in the mainstream classroom they received in the special classes.

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