Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not a person for the bata mór, the big stick. Telling schools what to do is not my approach but, if we continue to highlight the great work going on in the schools that have special classes, people will see the benefits not just for the young people with special needs, but for the children around them. When that is in operation it is an enriching environment in which to be. We are spending €1.8 billion and providing 1,500 special classes. We also need to remain committed to the special schools. That is something of which I am conscious. Some parents should still be afforded the choice of their child attending a special school. While some parents would prefer a mainstream school, we have to protect that option.

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