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

For September of this year, we have already sanctioned 305 special classes and we expect that more will be sanctioned over the coming weeks. There are 197 sanctioned for primary level and 108 at post-primary. There are 2,537 special classes now in the country, with 1,798 at primary and 739 at post-primary. There is consistent and constant engagement with the NCSE on forward planning. There is a detailed review ongoing of statistical data all the time. There is consideration of improved data-sharing arrangements. There is always a review of the school accommodation capacity and a particular focus on special classes at post-primary level. We wrote to all post-primary schools last October and said that we will need them to provide special class places over the next three to five years, with an average of four special classes in each school. The Deputy is aware that there is legislation in place if that does not happen. Any child who was known to the NCSE was provided with an appropriate placement.

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