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

I am answering the Deputy's question because I am outlining to him the steps that are being undertaken, have been undertaken, and will continue to be undertaken, to ensure we have appropriate placements for the children.

I will give him specific statistics if he wishes, but I want to outline to the House what we are doing in terms of forward planning, which is a critical component of making sure that we have the appropriate placements in situ. Fee-charging schools is another area that we are looking at. As the Deputy will be aware, even Bandon Grammar School in Cork, which is a fee-charging school, is now opening a special class. We are looking to have that as a blueprint, along with the Spiritans, in other schools throughout the country. Modular accommodation is going in and there is the expansion of existing planning exemptions, which is critical as well. In addition, there are issues concerning project management.

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