Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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112. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if flexibility will be given to secondary schools (details supplied) in County Cork to ensure that no sixth class child with additional educational needs will lose their special class place at secondary level. [57260/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the issue raised by the Deputy.

While I have no remit regarding the Children's Disability Network Teams, which is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE), my officials are currently liaising with the relevant agencies to consider how the transition process for students impacted can be progressed.

Ensuring that every child has an appropriate education placement is a priority for my Department and arrangements are in place for the planning of the necessary provision nationally. My Department works closely with the National Council for Special Education in this regard.

Enrolment in a special class requires a supporting recommendation from an appropriate professional and this is normally stated in the enrolment policy of a school. Given that transitioning to post primary is a key transition in a child's education progression, it would be important that the recommendation is up to date and takes account of the chill's current needs.