Education minister to engage 'intensely' with schools on special needs places

Labour TD Duncan Smith said that the legislation would 'probably not' mean suitable school places in September for the 100 children who are currently without

The Minister for Education Norma Foley said: 'Despite all efforts, there has been an inability to deliver the final number of places required as the number of children with special educational needs continues to increase.' Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins Photos

The education minister says that she will engage "intensely" with schools in a bid to open up new special needs schools places.

Norma Foley was speaking as the Dáil debated on Friday emergency legislation that will cut the legal process available to the minister to compel a school to open a special educational needs class if they do not agree to do so.