Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of much of that. Some positive things are happening in the special education sphere in Cork albeit that it is coming from one of the lowest bases. It is in a very challenging place even compared with other parts of the country. The Minister of State mentioned greenfield sites. Some special schools are in buildings that are just not fit for purpose. They need a greenfield site just to accommodate the children in the schools now.

There has been a lot of talk about the New Brunswick model and the full integration of all children into the mainstream education system. We can talk about these things in the abstract, but in the context of the education system we have with the school buildings and resources that are in place, we are a very long way from being able to deliver that.

We need to look at the needs that currently exist. That includes additional primary and post-primary capacity, but it also has to include special schools. Whatever about specific areas, does the Minister agree that there is scope for additional special schools and that they may be needed?

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