Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We can certainly give that some consideration, but different jurisdictions do things differently. It would not be the norm in Ireland, and it would not have been the norm when we were in government together, for a strategy to be underpinned by legislation. Different jurisdictions do things differently, but I certainly will not rule it out.

I absolutely agree with the Deputy on one point. It is wrong that parents have to fight and struggle for a place in school for their children. I met parents in Dublin 15 in my constituency who are in this position. We managed to resolve it in our constituency in the vast majority of cases and I think we will resolve it very shortly. There are things parents may have to fight for in life, but a place in a school should not be one of them. I totally agree with the Deputy in that regard.

In terms of the current position, I am told there are 80 children waiting for a place in a special class in Dublin who are not already in a mainstream setting. Recent weeks have resulted in eight primary schools saying they will open special classes in the new school year. This will reduce the number down to 56. Further engagement is happening with schools at present. That will continue intensively in the coming weeks with the intention of further reducing the number of children requiring a class placement. The NCSE advice is that there is an adequate supply of special classes and special school places outside Dublin at this time.

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