Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Loftus for last week's announcement regarding the Scoil Chiarain special school, one of two schools. It is welcome. I argue it took a little too long to announce it, but I appreciate it. It will make a massive difference. It will also help to address the issue. We have opened 19 ASD classes in Dublin 9 and Dublin 11 over the past four years at primary school level but have only opened three at secondary school level. Somebody in the Department needs to look at the demographic flow there - 19 classes will not fit into three classes. While an additional special school will help with some choices, the whole system with the SENO needs to be reviewed. The choice parents have at primary level is important. Parents can send their children anywhere they want. It creates problems, but it is beneficial. However, for children with disabilities it adds to the anxiety. One parent told me they applied to 60 schools. I told them there is no need to apply for 60 schools as they will find a place, but they have no confidence because between September and April or May they have no certainty they will have a place. They have had to fight for every other service and believe the same effort has to be put in at primary school level. We need to review the SENO system. I would go for a central application system. I also believe we need to look at the demographic flow into second level.