Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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351. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding access to a SENO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45604/18]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for fulfilling the functions of the NCSE Council within a designated area in relation to the identification of and delivery and co-ordination of education services to children with disabilities.

The NCSE employs SENOs to provide a nationwide system of local services. Each SENO has responsibility for specific schools, primary, post primary and special, within their area. In general, the role of the SENO ensures that a child with special educational needs receives the supports they are entitled to.

There are currently 83 sanctioned SENO posts in the NCSE. These include 1 Head of Local Services, 9 Senior SENO posts and 73 SENO posts.

Since 2014, the number of SENO posts have increased from 67 to 73 while the NCSE's SENO management structure was strengthened in 2014, with the creation of a new professional post of Head of Local Services to directly manage the SENO grades.

In addition, from 21st March 2017, the Special Education Support Service (SESS), the National Behavioural Support Service (NBSS) and the Visiting Teacher Service for Children who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Children who are Blind/Visually Impaired (VTHVI) transferred from my Department to the NCSE and joined with the services already being provided by NCSE’s SENOs and administrative staff to form a new NCSE Support Service. This new service, which significantly increases the NCSE's support service by over 100, aims to develop schools’ capacity to include students with special educational needs and to promote a continuum of educational provision which is inclusive and responsive.

SENOs are available to advise parents in relation to supports which may be available to support children with special educational needs. The local SENO contact details are available on the NCSE’s website at: .