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

All schools that did so last year will automatically provide special educational needs facilities, which will be important going forward. That is just a general point around the provision of placements for children with additional needs.

I again commend Scoil Mhuire Lourdes girls' school on volunteering to open a special class and, as I said, there are enhanced capitation rates for that. I do, however, understand from the NCSE that at present there is sufficient capacity for these children in other schools. I do accept the point the Deputy is making that it is often in the best interests of children to attend a school in their own locality, and we should endeavour to facilitate that where possible. This particular school has already put in an application for extra accommodation and no doubt that will be taken into account when the matter is looked at.

The criteria for the new DEIS identification model is being worked out at present. We will obviously look at socioeconomic factors and the fact it is an all-girls school. I heard what the Deputy said about there being a lot of lone parents in the area and the many other challenges they endure daily. All of that will be taken into account. As I said, there are already 800 or more schools in the country with DEIS status but every school will be up for review again. As I said, the school does not need to apply and the situation will be looked at. That the Deputy has brought it up as a Topical Issue matter will be brought to the attention of the Department. It is aware the Deputy has raised the question and that will hone their minds on the matter. If I have any further information from the NCSE, I will let the Deputy know but that is the status at the moment. I hope the application will be successful.

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