Moves to compel schools  to open special classes for 130 children without a place

Special Education Minister Josepha Madigan said everyone would prefer that schools welcome students that need school places into their schools, and would open the classes needed.

The Department of Education has moved a step closer to
compelling schools to open special classes in a bid to secure enough suitable places for children with special educational needs for this September.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Department of Education have so far failed to provide an appropriate school place for an estimated 130 children for the next school year.