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

I have given the Senator my reasons we are not linking it in. That is to allow the co-operation. Compelling schools and forcing them to a certain extent to open special classes is not something that anybody likes doing or wants to do. We want to have a culture and ethos in a school from the outset whereby it will embrace inclusivity and believe in integration of children with special educational needs. That is why we allow schools the opportunity to co-operate and collaborate but if they do not, then we will issue the section 37A notice. That is why we are not doing it. It is something we are reluctant to use but will use where we have no other option. That is why I find myself in this Chamber bringing this legislation to the House. I simply was not getting the co-operation from all schools to open special classes where they are absolutely badly needed. That is the reality of it. That is my response to the Senator's questions.