Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that response. Special classes play a significant role in the development of children with special education needs. I acknowledge the Minister of State's really welcome work in securing €2.6 billion in the recent budget, which is the biggest budget in the history of the State for special education. The priority of the Government and the Minister of State has been to ensure that every child in the country has access to a school place.

I had the pleasure of working with the Minister of State on the issue of Doonbeg National School together with the principal, Mr. Neil Crowley. After an in-depth review of the school's needs, a special class was sanctioned, which I had the honour of opening. I can see on the ground the impact that is having on the school community. It is really welcome. Could the Minister of State perhaps expand on future plans to expand it further?

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