Minister to issue orders to compel schools to provide special education places

Parents of children with disabilities, who campaigned for new school in Carrigaline, say they proved 'it can be done'

Alison Murphy, Douglas, Cork, with her son Darragh, who has autism. Ms Murphy asks: 'Why is the shortage of school places only being addressed in May?' Picture: Dan Linehan

Josepha Madigan, the special education minister, will move to use legal powers to compel schools to provide special education places as soon as Monday, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

Government sources have confirmed that Ms Madigan is planning to use her powers under Section 37A of the Education Act to issue a binding direction to schools to establish additional classes for children with special needs.