Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 128: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Education and Skills if she will provide an update on contacts with a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if she will note the concerns of the school community in respect of issues regarding staffing and the need for immediate action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39826/10]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is an independent agency with responsibility for determining the appropriate staffing levels in relation to the support of pupils with special educational needs in all mainstream and special schools. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support and conveys decisions on applications directly to schools without recourse to my Department. Neither I, nor the Department of Education and Skills, interfere with the allocation decisions taken by the NCSE in schools.

As I have previously clarified, I can confirm that my Department has been in contact with the school in question, by letter of 3rd September, to clarify issues raised by them in relation to the school's enrolment policy and also to advise of the role of the NCSE regarding the determination of support levels for pupils with special educational needs in special schools. It is my understanding that the NCSE is presently liaising with the school in question to monitor supports in place for pupils currently enrolled in the school as well as evaluating further applications for support. The NCSE has advised my Department that it hopes to conclude this process shortly.

I wish to assure the Deputy that supports will continue to be made available to schools which have enrolled pupils who qualify for such support and children with special educational needs will continue to have access to an appropriate education in line with my Department's policy. I have arranged for the details supplied to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.