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

I would mention to Deputy Cathal Crowe that that is a HSE matter and I will pass it on to the Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte. Obviously the supplementary provision is in place, the supplementary programme which will assist in terms of supports.

I would say to Deputy Higgins that we have not under any circumstances turned our back on children with special needs. It has always been my absolute fervent desire that all children with special needs be made a priority and this was the case for the Minister, Deputy Foley, also but it is simply not a decision we can make on our own. We cannot make a decision that will go against public health advice when the public health advice has very clearly said we must take a cautious, phased approach. As we know, we already have junior infants, senior infants, first class, second class and, indeed, sixth years back in schools as well as all special schools and special classes. We hope to get the additional mainstream classes for children with additional needs back on 15 March and then finally on 12 April.

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