Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In 2021, we did clear the list. There is a framework in place now and there is €16.5 million available to procure the services for special needs assessments in the private sector. The Deputy is absolutely right that we need to clear the list and we will do so. The necessary funding has been provided. In terms of special schools, seven new ones have been established in recent years in a number of areas, including Cork and Dublin. In the 2024-25 school year, the focus is on areas outside the larger cities. New special schools will open in counties Meath, Kildare, Wexford and Limerick. My own county of Monaghan does not have a special school and the same is true of County Leitrim. These are the areas we will have to look at in terms of providing more special needs schools. Capacity in the special schools around the country will also be increased, as has happened in recent years.

The Department of Education and the NCSE work closely on the forward planning of special school provision. Since 2020, a total of 55 building projects have been completed across 41 special schools. During 2022 and 2023 alone, the school building programme provided accommodation for 80 additional or modernised classrooms in special schools. We have all seen them in our own constituencies. They are state-of-the-art and are providing a great service but there are many cases where such classes are not suitable for children who need to be in a special school. I accept that and what is best for the children is what we are focused on.

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