Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the issue of children with SEN in mainstream education, it has always been our position that special education should be given priority in the reopening of schools. We know about the risks of regression for those who cannot engage in distance learning. We have said this repeatedly since the start of the year and this priority has not changed. The National Public Health Emergency Team, NPHET, has recommended a phased and cautious reopening of schools, and the Department always follows health advice and has done from the beginning. I am, however, determined that all students with special educational needs in mainstream education will return to school as soon as possible in line with public health advice. Junior infants, senior infants, first class and sixth class are back already, while from 15 March, there will also be third class to sixth class-----

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