Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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78. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding an outreach class in a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; if his attention has been drawn to the decision of the board of management to notify parents of its intention to withdraw as patrons from the school; and if his Department is prepared to liaise with parents and the community in making alternative arrangements for these children with special needs. [7118/14]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the Patron Body concerned has notified my Department of its intention to divest patronage of the Outreach Class based in Mohill, Co. Leitrim, from the end of this school year. My Department has clarified for the Patron Body the importance of notifying parents of the intentions of the school authorities in this regard and of putting in place alternative arrangements for pupils currently enrolled in the class to ensure their successful transition to onward placements. I understand that the school authorities are currently liaising with the local National Council for Special Education Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) in order to identify appropriate alternative educational placements for the small number of remaining children who are currently enrolled in the outreach class. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, including identification of educational placements, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.