Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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136. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the actions her Department is taking to increase the level of special educational needs and ASD class places in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57171/21]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Enabling children with special educational needs to receive an education is a priority for this Government.

It is also a key priority for me as Minister for Special Education & Inclusion.

Next year, my Department will spend in excess of €2 Billion, or over 25% of the Department’s budget on providing additional teaching and care supports for children with special educational needs.

This includes funding for a wide range of schemes and supports including special classes, special school places, SNAs and teachers.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has responsibility for coordinating and advising on the education provision for children nationwide.

The NCSE are aware of an identified need for ASD classes at primary level and post primary levels in Cork.

Currently, Cork county, including Cork City, has a network of 335 school special classes, of which 308 are special classes for children with ASD. 227 at primary level including 21 Early Intervention classes. At post primary level there are currently 81 ASD classes in County Cork. 44 new ASD special classes were established for the 2021/2022 school year.

Through ongoing consultation with schools and parents at local level the NCSE is aware of students who will be seeking placement for the 22/23 academic year.

The NCSE through their network of SENOs are currently engaging with schools in Cork regarding the establishment of additional special classes for 2022/23 and beyond.

It is open to any school to engage with the NCSE to establish a special class.

My Department works in close collaboration with the NCSE to ensure that the necessary provision is put in place on a timely basis throughout the country.

Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact their local SENO so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes.