John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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101. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if she will appoint an exceptional teacher to a school (details supplied) as a matter of urgency given the range of issues and demands facing teachers and pupils in the school; and if a positive review will be expedited. [15282/22]

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 a wide range of schemes and supports for children with special educational needs. This includes additional teaching and care supports.

Since 2012, special schools are staffed on the basis of individual pupil profile and the disability categorisations of those pupils, as opposed to being based primarily on school designation, in accordance with my Department's Circular 0032/2019 - Appointment of Administrative Deputy Principal and Staffing in Special Schools.

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

As the Deputy's query refers to an individual school, I will arrange to have the details referred to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.