Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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432. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if consideration has been given to having children in special education attend schools on consecutive days rather than every other day to ensure routine for students; if this model will be reassessed as school reopening progresses in line with ongoing public health restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11338/21]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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433. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when special schools will reopen at 100% capacity. [11343/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 432 and 433 together.

I am particularity conscious of the impact school closures have on children with complex special educational needs and their families.

For this reason, special schools were prioritised to reopen on 11 February on a 50% attendance basis and a supplementary programme was also put in place. All special classes returned to in-school learning on a full-time basis from 22 February, and special schools return to full-time in-school education from 1 March.

In addition an enhanced programme of summer provision for children with complex special educational needs and those who are experiencing educational disadvantage, similar to what was provided in summer 2020, is being developed.

The safe return and sustained safe re-opening of our schools is a key priority.