Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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484. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of ASD classes in Tullow town, County Carlow; if her attention has been drawn to the severe shortage of ASD classes in Tullow; the reason that a school (details supplied) does not have an ASD class; the measures that she proposes to introduce to rectify this problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4602/22]

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.  

This 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. 

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

It is open to any school to make an application to the NCSE for the establishment of a specialised provision and where sanctioned, a range of supports, including capital funding, is made available to the school. 

There are currently 38 special classes for children with autism in Co. Carlow – 25 at primary level including 5 Early Intervention classes and 13 at post primary level.

The NCSE through its network of SENOs (Special Educational Needs Organisers) continues to engage in a process of establishing new classes for the 2022/2023 school year and beyond by looking at local information in relation to current and projected demand for special education places.

As a result of this ongoing engagement, the NCSE has specific plans in place to open additional special classes in schools in Carlow and surrounding areas and is engaged in consultation with schools in these areas.

In relation to the school referred to by the Deputy,  the NCSE is aware of the school’s interest in opening a special class. While the NCSE is always grateful to schools who express a willingness to open a special class, before sanction can be given the NCSE must be satisfied that the number of students seeking a special class placement cannot be catered for in already established special classes within an area.

In light of planned and existing special classes, the NCSE has confirmed there is sufficient provision to meet known demand. NCSE will continue to work with schools in the area should an unmet need emerge in the future.

The local SENOs remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-servic. 

Information on the list of schools with special classes, the type and location of these classes is published on the NCSE website and is available at www.ncse.ie.