Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the means of calculating the number of children with special education needs at primary level who will require special education at second level; the measure in the planning section that exists to ensure an appropriate school place is available in the school year it is needed for each child; the estimated number of children requiring a place in September 2007; the number of places available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15700/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has been operational since 1st January 2005, and is responsible for processing applications for special educational needs supports from primary and post primary schools through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs). The SENO is also a focal point of contact for parents and schools.

The SENOs are appointed to districts which include primary and post primary schools and planning for transition to post primary schools occurs within this local environment. The approach taken is outlined in the guidelines which the NCSE issued to schools in March 2007.

The NCSE estimates that, based on 2005/2006 enrolment figures, approximately 5,000 pupils will require post primary placement in September 2007. The established practice is for my Department to make educational provision available for students up to, and including, the school year in which they reach eighteen years of age. Depending on the assessed needs of the student, such provision may be made in special schools or special classes or in mainstream primary or post-primary schools. Teaching support, care, transport and specialised equipment are provided as appropriate.