Return of children with additional needs
Deputy Andrews asked whether children with additional needs in mainstream schools would return on 1 March. The Tánaiste said no date was fixed but phased reopening would include special schools and special classes.
It has been stressed all along that priority would be given to children with additional needs who attend mainstream schools, yet there was no mention of their inclusion in last night's announcement of a possible return to school on 1 March. Will the Tánaiste assure the House that children with additional needs in mainstream schools will return on 1 March?
Comment on this
To be clear, there is no date set or agreed as yet. What is being planned for is a phased return of schools across March and into the Easter period, starting with sixth years and the youngest years in primary school. That would also include special schools and special classes that are 50% back being back 100%, as they should be.