Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is for that reason we are investing €2.7 billion in special education, a third of the overall Department of Education funding. A lot of very good work is happening across the country. We want to improve and increase the resources of the NCSE, which is happening on a weekly basis. It will have those 120 SENOs on the ground and visible from this September. They are already on the ground but I want to see them in a position where they can actively engage with parents, guardians and schools to ensure children have access to the places they need.

With regard to additional capacity, the NCSE is working very closely and hard with schools and boards of management to identify those places for children for this upcoming September. I am confident about the additional capacity required to meet the needs of children known to the NCSE for September 2024. The Deputy can be assured I will be in regular contact with the NCSE to make sure this work continues.

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