Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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75. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will outline the approach taken by his Department regarding special needs units in both new and existing secondary schools in an area (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19550/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the policy of my Department is to ensure that a continuum of special educational provision is made available, as required, for children with special educational needs, including those attending secondary schools. This includes making provision for special school placements and special class places where required.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible for the planning and provision of a range of educational services at local and national level for students with special educational needs. The NCSE, through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), co-ordinates special needs education provision, including the establishment of special needs units in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The NCSE is currently liaising with schools to establish new special classes for the coming school year, taking into account the requirement for such classes in any given area. 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.