Vol. 434 No. 2
446 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Education the number of special schools closed in the past five years; the number planned for closure within the coming three years; and the number of places which have been lost in special education as a result of closures.
Four special schools have been closed in the last five years. I have no plans at present to withdraw recognition from any other such school.
Closure in each case was as a result of declining enrolments and the educational needs of the remaining pupils were met by their enrolment in other special schools or through the establishment of special classes in ordinary schools.
As a result of these developments there has been no loss of places for pupils within the special education system.
