Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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453. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of places that are available for children with ASD in a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9435/22]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that this school opened for the 2021/22 school year in response to the significant demand for special school places in the local area.

The current capacity of the school is for 36 students with the majority of students now attending. Arrangements are in place for the remaining students to be transitioned into the school now that the recruitment of staff has been completed. A further increase in enrolment is planned for the 2022/2023 school year, following completion of the necessary building works.

My Department and the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) are working to increase the enrolment capacity in special schools. Throughout 2020 and 2021 the Department and the NCSE have worked closely on a more streamlined and joined up planning process which has ensured a targeted approach to meet demand for special education placements ahead of each new school-year.

This approach is delivering with the number of special education teachers, special needs assistants and special class and school places at unprecedented levels.

I would like to reassure the Deputy that the local SENOs continue to be available to assist and advise both schools and the parents of children with special educational needs. Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at: ncse.ie/regional-servic.