Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an cheist. Aontaím leis an Teachta. Is ceist iontach tábhachtach í a tháinig suas anuraidh agus ag tús na bliana. I am aware of the demand for additional special class and special school placements in the Dublin area, including Dublin 15. I have asked the National Council for Special Education, NCSE, to provide my Department with a report on current and future identified need in the area in question in order that evidence-based decisions may be made on the development of the necessary placements in the area in the short, medium and longer term. In preparing the report the council will meet parents and other groups. It is also engaging with officials in my Department on the work they are undertaking. As this process is ongoing, I have no plans to meet groups at this stage. The NCSE is an independent agency of my Department with responsibility for planning, co-ordinating and advising on education provision for children with special educational needs. The council ensures schools in an area can between them cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements. A working group chaired by the NCSE has been established to put in place a new working protocol to ensure there is effective proactive planning and timely delivery of specialist educational places for students.

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