Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education appropriate to their needs is a priority for this Government.

This year, just under 25% of the total Education budget or €2bn will be invested in supporting children with special educational needs.As a result, the numbers of special education teachers, SNAs and special class and school places are at unprecedented levels.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide. The NCSE, through its local network of SENOs (Special Educational Needs Organisers), is available to provide advice and support to parents on the possible placement options available to their child.

For the 2021/22 school year, 2,132 special classes will be established in 1,121 mainstream primary and post primary schools providing places for approximately 12,700 pupils with additional needs. This is the largest number of special classes that we have ever had, and compares to 548 classes available in 2011.

Details of the locations of the special classes are available on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.