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

I want to take a moment to inform the House of some good news on the provision of special classes in Dublin. Senators will be aware that the Department wrote to 14 schools a few weeks ago that had been identified as having space and capacity to open a special class for the coming academic year. I am delighted to announce that out of the 14 schools that were initially contacted, seven more classes have been sanctioned by the National Council For Special Education, NCSE, to open in the coming term. That brings the total number of additional special classes sanctioned in recent weeks to 15. There is ongoing engagement with other schools to deliver more special classes in the foreseeable future. I thank the schools, boards of management and patrons for their co-operation in assisting me, the Department and the NCSE in delivering special education services and facilities for children with additional needs. I also confirm that a new post-primary special class will open in Athlone-----