Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 110: To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason the special class is being discontinued at a school (details supplied) in County Galway from September 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14955/12]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department provides for the education of children with special educational needs through a number of support mechanisms depending on the child's assessed disability. In general, educational provision for children with special needs is made; in special schools; in special classes attached to ordinary schools; or in integrated settings in mainstream classes.

The nature and level of the educational response is based on the professionally-assessed needs of each individual child. My Departments policy is to ensure the maximum possible integration of children with special needs into ordinary mainstream schools. Many students with special educational needs will therefore not require or seek a special class placement, but will be educated along with their peers in mainstream provision, with additional supports.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of 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 allocation of resource teaching hours to schools as well as the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas, including the area referred to by the Deputy, as required and the discontinuation of such classes where the need no longer exists.

I have therefore arranged for the Deputys question to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.