Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1058. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children with special educational needs with no school place for September 2021. [40914/21]

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

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.

The Deputy will be aware of the recent announcement whereby Minister Foley and I have secured a significant expansion of special school provision through the establishment of two new special schools for the 2021/2022 school year. Bringing a total of 126 special schools in operation providing specialist education for almost 8,000 pupils annually.

I should also clarify that the NCSE does not maintain waiting lists for schools. Boards of management of individual schools are responsible for such enrolment matters.

I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department and the NCSE continue to work very closely in planning for the delivery of new places required to meet forecasted demand. It is difficult to predict with accuracy the exact level of demand for new places as parental choice comes into play and parents may not always follow a recommendation in an assessment. For example, a parent may get a diagnosis with a recommendation for either a special class or special school placement but may decide that the child is currently settled in his/her mainstream class and leave it at that. In addition, the current work of the HSE to clear the backlog of Assessments of Need is adding to the demand for places.

The local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) are available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: .

I can assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to prioritise investment in special education.

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