John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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264. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of schools that have language units attached to them to support children with a diagnosis of developmental language disorder; if there has been a reduction in the number of such units in recent years; his plans to increase the number of units to meet the needs of children with such a diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23795/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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My Department provides an extensive range of supports for pupils with Specific Speech and Language Disorder (SSLD).  This includes provision for the establishment of special classes for pupils with SSLD in primary schools.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from schools for special educational needs supports, including applications to establish special classes for SSLD.  Applications meeting the criteria for establishment are approved by the NCSE. 

The NCSE continues to monitor and review the requirement for special class places in particular areas and has capacity to establish such new classes or retain current classes where necessary, subject to the willingness of schools to open/retain classes.  The NCSE welcomes expressions of interest from schools in opening special classes to meet the demand for special class provision.  In deciding on the location of a special class SENOs take into account both the present and the future potential need for special class provision, and they must also be satisfied that the special class is sustainable and appropriately located.  SENOs liaise with relevant professionals in their area to arrive at an informed decision. 

The number of SSLD classes for the 2018 – 2019 school year remains the same as 2017 – 2018 at 65.

The opening and retention of a Speech and Language class is, however, contingent on the HSE being in a position to provide Speech and Language therapy to the students in the class.  The availability and provision of speech and language therapy is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE).