Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 596: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will reverse the decision to close the special needs class at a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [46519/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. This includes the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required and the discontinuation of such classes where the need no longer exists.

The continuation of the class referred to by the Deputy is no longer warranted on the basis that the children enrolled in the class do not meet my Department's criteria for enrolment in the class. A number of discussions have taken place involving the HSE, NCSE and National Educational Psychological Service to determine the best arrangements for pupils with a disability living in the locality. The SENO is awaiting proposals from the school management in this context. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.