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

It is important that the Deputy raised this question because we have to consider these matters, which the Department does. The Deputy conceded that the scheme comes under the DEIS programme and that it is only for schools within that programme at present. It is also important to point out that special schools receive more in capitation than a DEIS school receives in combined funding of capitation and DEIS. The special schools have substantially more teaching and SNA staff than similarly sized DEIS schools, so even where some schools may potentially come under the DEIS banner their funding, due to their special school status, is better. Special schools may already have greater family or community interaction and support due to the student profile they have and they may also have other additional supports assigned to them, such as bus escorts, therapists and nurses.

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