Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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451. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the establishment of a special class at a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45187/14]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's policies focus on ensuring that all children can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.

A range of placement options for pupils with special educational needs is provided, in order to ensure that all pupils can receive a school placement. Many pupils with special educational needs will be able to attend a local mainstream school, whereas for pupils who have needs which require more specialist interventions, special class and special school placements are provided for.

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, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

As this question refers to the proposed establishment of a special class at a particular school, I have thereforearranged for the matter raised by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.