I want to raise with the Tánaiste the issue of ASD classes. For every three ASD classes in primary school, there is only one at secondary level. There is a clear gap in service provision. A total of 90% of all students who begin in ASD classes remain in them for the duration of their education. Given this disparity and taking into account the comments of the Minister of State in recent days with regard to glaring gaps, what will the Government do? Is it high time that we legislated for ASD classes to be provided in all schools?

I thank the Deputy. It is useful to put on the record of the House that in the past ten years the number of special classes has increased from approximately 500 to 2,000. We now have almost 20,000 special needs assistants, which is not far off double the number we had ten years ago. New special schools have opened in Cork and Dublin this year. There has been a huge increase in resources and provision in this area. I acknowledge it is not enough. Many parents are worried about whether there will be a place for their child in September, including in my constituency. The Minister of State, Deputy Madigan, is committed to working on solutions. I am confident we will see results in the coming weeks.