Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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1006. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills when she expects the National Council for Special Education to complete and submit its policy advice on education provision in special classes and special schools first commissioned in September 2018. [19168/21]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In September 2018, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was requested to develop Policy Advice on Education Provision in Special Classes and Special Schools to examine whether placement in specialist settings brings about improved educational outcomes and experiences, relative to their ability, for students with special educational needs.

This Policy Advice is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

I would like to reassure the Deputy of my commitment to progressing my Action Priorities for Special Education which includes improved long-term planning for the provision and development of special school and special class places in future years to ensure that no one is excluded; supporting both special schools and pupils with special educational needs in mainstream education by working to ensure that schools have the appropriate accommodation and facilities.