Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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517. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills whether the NCSE policy advice on education provision in special classes and special schools has been completed; if so, whether it can be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27520/23]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for the question and advise the following:

In 2018, the NCSE was requested by the then Minister for Education to provide policy advice on future provision in special schools and special classes. The request was made in the context of significant year on year increases in special class provision and Ireland’s ratification in 2018 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

The NCSE intended to finalise its advice paper on special schools and special classes at the end of 2020. However the completion of the advice paper was significantly delayed, mainly due to the pressures on the educational system brought about by the COVID 19 pandemic.

The NCSE completed its work on the policy advice on special classes and special schools towards the end of 2022 and this was submitted to my Department earlier this year.

The NCSE Policy Advice is currently under review and publication will follow shortly. The Policy Advice will be the subject of an extensive consultation process with education stakeholders and partners, as well as with disability representative organisations, and parental representatives.