Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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500. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the estimated timeline for the introduction of special schools from 50% to 100% capacity in the next few weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12819/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I want to assure the Deputy that I am conscious of the fact that closing schools has hugely adverse consequences at individual, family and societal level and that the effect on children with complex special educational needs can be even greater.

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. Special schools returned to full-time in-school education on 1 March.

The purpose of managing this cautious phased return is to continue to limit the mobility of the population and curb the spread of the virus.

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