Further 36 special classes to open in mainstream schools

An additional 36 special classes have been sanctioned to open in mainstream schools from this coming September.

Nineteen of the classes are in primary schools, while 17 will be at post primary level. All but one of the classes will cater for autistic students.

At least 400 additional special classes are due to open this September. These 36 are the fifth tranche to be announced, with more than 300 announced previously.

The 36 schools will be informed this afternoon that their new special classes have been sanctioned.

Seven of the newly approved classes are in Dublin, five are in Cork with another five in Limerick.

Counties Kildare and Kilkenny have both had four additional special classes sanctioned.