Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

566. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the current capacity of special schools since they returned at 50% capacity earlier in March 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16480/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to assure you 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.