Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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93. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the reason a school (details supplied) has lost its special class placement after more than 20 years; and if same will be reinstated. [26376/19]

Joe McHugh (Donegal, Fine Gael)
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The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has a statutory function to plan and co-ordinate the provision of education and support services to children with special educational needs, in consultation with the relevant education partners and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

This includes the establishment of special class and special school placements in various geographical areas where there is an identified need.

In deciding where to establish a special class in an area, the NCSE take account of the current and projected demand and the available school accommodation both current and planned.

The Council ensures that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as needing special class placements.

As the Deputy's question relates to a particular school, I have arranged for the question to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.