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

I thank the Deputy for his acknowledgement of Doonbeg National School. I commend his and Mr. Crowley's efforts to secure a sanction from the NCSE for the opening of a special class. It is wonderful to hear that the school has had a positive experience. There is not a school I have visited with a special class that has not had a positive experience. Some of them go on to open two or three special classes.

One of the things we are doing, which is pertinent to the Deputy's question around forward planning, is that we now have a proper forecasting model whereby the Department and the NCSE can see data in real time. One thing I want to stress this evening is the extra €13 million I secured for the NCSE. Its CEO, Mr. John Carney, is doing incredible work, particularly on operational issues. He will now be in a position to hire 161 new staff who, through the special educational needs organisers, are the people who liaise with the school community about opening special classes. This will do an incredible amount to assist schools. Again, it is not just about opening the classes but also about adequately resourcing them.

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