Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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225. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps taken to date in the establishment of a new special school in Cork and additional ASD units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40908/20]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government. Next year, over 20% of the total Education budget or €2bn will be invested in supporting children with special needs.

This investment will support the provision of over 1,200 additional special class places.

Through better planning at both national and local level, it is my objective that specialist education places should come on stream to meet emerging demand on a timely basis.

The National Council for Special Education is continuing its engagement with schools, patron bodies, parents and others in Cork to bring additional special education placements on stream.

It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE to open a special class. The active collaboration of school communities is vital to the effective inclusion of students with special educational needs.

Discussions are also ongoing regarding options to increase the availabilty of special school places.

This work will continue until every child has access to a suitable education. In the meantime, Special Educational Needs Organisers are available to support both families and schools who need help or advice.